Unsolved Case Files: The 500 Million Dollar Heist
#3 in Unsolved Case Files Series
on Goodreads (234)
What’s inside...
The third book in the graphic nonfiction series, Unsolved Case Files, details the Isabella Stewart Gardner heist, which occurred on March 18, 1990, in Boston, Massachusetts. Two thieves disguised as Boston Police officers managed to enter the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum at 1:24 a.m., and stole thirteen pieces of art, including several rare Rembrandts. In just eighty-one minutes, they walked away with $500 million worth of art, marking it the single largest private property theft in the US. Despite extensive investigations and numerous false leads over the decades, the case remains unsolved. This book follows the first two installments in the series, which cover other famous unsolved cases.
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in charge of solving the case in the book?
How do you think the characters felt when they realized the artwork was missing?
Why is it important to solve mysteries like the one in the book?
What are some qualities a good detective should have?
If you could ask the thief one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective, asking them to predict the next clue or turn in the story.
Discuss the importance of teamwork in solving problems, as seen in the book, and relate it to everyday situations.
Highlight the moral lessons about honesty and justice from the story to instill values.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character, and explain why they chose it, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
Create a fun atmosphere by pretending to solve a mini-mystery together at home, inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book challenges young readers to think critically and piece together clues to solve the mystery of the heist.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving abilities to academic challenges and personal dilemmas, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: Readers are encouraged to pay close attention to minute details that could be key in cracking the case.
Real-World Application: This can translate into improved focus and observation skills in their studies and everyday observations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the story work together to solve the heist, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others to achieve common goals, a vital skill for group projects and community involvement.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: The story presents moral dilemmas about justice and fairness which characters must navigate.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the impact of their choices and fosters a sense of morality that guides their actions in social settings.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The protagonists face several setbacks in their quest to solve the heist but remain determined.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles, whether in completing schoolwork or in their personal pursuits.