Young Sherlock Holmes: Black Ice
#3 in The Sherlock Holmes Children’S Collection: Creatures, Codes And Curious Cases (Easy Classics) Series
on Goodreads (3,330)
What’s inside...
When teen Sherlock and American tutor Amyus Crowe visit Sherlock’s brother Mycroft in London, they expect a polite lunch. Instead, they find Mycroft holding a knife over a dead body in a locked room. The police believe Mycroft is a murderer, but Sherlock is determined to prove his brother's innocence. Threatened with the gallows, Mycroft needs Sherlock's help. The search for the truth leads them from a London railway station for dead bodies all the way to frozen Moscow, where Sherlock navigates a world of secrets and danger to uncover the truth.
Character compass
Sherlock Holmes
Virginia Crowe
Mycroft Holmes
Amyus Crowe
Discussion points
How did Sherlock Holmes use his powers of observation to solve the challenges he faced in 'Black Ice'? Can you think of a time when you observed something important?
What do you think about the friendships portrayed in the book? How do Sherlock's relationships help him throughout the story?
The setting plays a crucial role in 'Black Ice'. How does the environment influence the events of the story?
Sherlock makes many decisions in the book. Do you agree with them? What would you have done differently in his place?
What did you learn about trust and secrecy from the characters and their interactions in 'Black Ice'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to predict what might happen next in the story and why.
Discuss the moral choices Sherlock faces. Ask your child what they would do in similar situations, reinforcing empathy and ethical thinking.
Explore the theme of friendship together. Relate the friendships in 'Black Ice' to your child's personal experiences with their friends.
Use examples from the book to discuss the significance of observation and details. Perhaps start a small observational diary or game to practice these skills together.
After discussing the key questions, encourage your child to summarize the book in their own words, highlighting what lessons or insights they gained from Sherlock’s adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking and deduction
Explanation: In 'Young Sherlock Holmes: Black Ice', Sherlock uses his keen observational skills and logical reasoning to solve mysteries. This demonstrates the process of gathering data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in their daily life by observing their surroundings more keenly and making informed decisions based on logical reasoning, be it in solving simple problems or making choices.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sherlock faces various challenges and setbacks, yet he remains determined and does not give up on his investigations. This highlights the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to stay committed to their tasks and goals, even when they encounter difficulties. It encourages them to keep trying and working towards solutions, whether in their academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Building friendships and trusting others
Explanation: Sherlock learns to build alliances and trust in others to help solve the mystery. This shows the value of teamwork and trusting relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships. It teaches them that teamwork can lead to better solutions and that trusting others can be crucial in various aspects of life.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: Sherlock faces moral dilemmas and has to make choices that test his values. This highlights the importance of ethical decision-making and integrity.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to face their own moral choices and helps them understand the impact of their decisions on themselves and others, fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical behavior.