The Nancy Drew Files: Secret of the Old Clock
#1 of 163 in Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Series
on Goodreads (81,442)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew, along with her friends Bess and George, use their impressive deduction skills and mental agility to tackle mysteries ranging from sabotage to kidnapping. Delighting Nancy Drew enthusiasts and welcoming newcomers, a beautifully revamped edition of an old favorite, 'The Secret of the Old Clock', the first book in the beloved series, is being released. This enduring mystery, adored for over 80 years, involves Nancy helping Mr. Crowly's friends locate his missing will, to prevent the malicious Topham family from claiming his inheritance. This fresh edition is a must-have for collectors.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
Edna Turner
Mary Turner
Carson Drew
Ada Topham
Isabel Topham
Josiah Crowley
Hannah Gruen
Jeff Tucker
Abigail Rowen
Fred Mathews
William Mathews
Matilda Turner
Grace Horner
Henry Rolsted
Cora Topham
Richard Topham
Allison Horner
Helen Corning
Discussion points
What did you think about how Nancy Drew solved the mystery? What qualities do you think made her successful?
How did the characters in the story help or hinder Nancy in her investigation? Can you think of a time you helped someone solve a problem?
What would you have done differently if you were in Nancy's shoes?
How do you think the setting of the story influenced the events that took place?
What did you learn from this story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each reading session, briefly discuss what happened previously in the story to refresh your child's memory and enhance comprehension.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story. This not only makes the reading more interactive but also improves their analytical thinking skills.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and explain why they like them. This helps in understanding their perception and emotional thought process.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, to help them connect with the story more deeply.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to create a drawing or a short story about their favorite scene. This promotes creativity and helps retain the information.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Nancy Drew consistently follows clues and never gives up on the mystery of the old clock, despite facing challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it’s completing a difficult school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nancy demonstrates the ability to think critically and solve puzzles to get closer to unlocking the secret of the old clock.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply logical reasoning and problem-solving skills in their daily decision making and academics.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Nancy’s adherence to truth and her ethical approach in solving the case highlight the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded that honesty fosters trust and respect in relationships with friends and adults.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Nancy often relies on her friends Bess and George for support and assistance, showcasing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value collaborative efforts and learn how working together can aid in overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Nancy shows bravery as she confronts uncertain situations and mysterious characters during her investigation.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of facing fears and stepping out of their comfort zone to grow and learn.