The Secret in the Old Attic
#21 of 40 in Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Series
on Goodreads (12,005)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew races against time to unravel the clues in a dead man's letters. If she succeeds, Philip March and his little granddaughter can be saved from financial ruin. Following obscure clues, Nancy undertakes a search for some unpublished musical manuscripts which she believes are hidden in the dark, cluttered attic of the rundown March mansion. But someone else wants them enough to put many frightening obstacles in Nancy’s way. Will she outwit a trio of ruthless thieves and solve the Marches’ problems?
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Mr. March
Carson Drew
Felix Raybolt
Philip March
Horace Lally
Hannah Gruen
Susan March
Effie Schneider
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy felt when she discovered the secret in the attic? How would you feel in such a situation?
How do the different characters in the story show bravery or fear? Can you relate to any of their actions?
Why do you think the author chose an attic for the secret? What other places could be mysterious?
What lessons did you learn from the story? How can we apply these lessons to our everyday lives?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and why? How would they change the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, relating the story to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, which fosters creativity and deeper understanding. Highlight the moral lessons in the story, discussing how these can be applied in real-life situations, reinforcing the value of ethical behavior. Use the mystery element of the book to engage in fun 'detective' activities like finding clues or solving puzzles together, making reading a fun and participative activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: In 'The Secret in the Old Attic', the protagonist Nancy Drew uncovers hidden clues and solves a mystery using her clever thinking and attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in real life by tackling puzzles and challenges with logic and perseverance, enhancing their critical thinking capabilities.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Nancy faces various challenges and dangers throughout the story, but her bravery allows her to confront these obstacles head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of courage in everyday situations, whether standing up for a friend or trying something new, promoting confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Nancy's innate curiosity drives her to investigate and uncover the secrets hidden in the old attic, leading to the resolution of the mystery.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and explore their surroundings can lead to a deeper understanding of the world and a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and heritage
Explanation: The mystery involves unraveling the history connected to the old attic and respecting the legacy left behind.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and preserve historical artifacts or stories in their own family or community, fostering a sense of respect and pride for their heritage.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy collaborates with friends and experts to piece together the mystery. Her success often hinges on effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of collaborating and working together with others to achieve common goals, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.