Young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud
#1 in The Sherlock Holmes Children’S Collection: Creatures, Codes And Curious Cases (Easy Classics) Series
on Goodreads (9,841)
What’s inside...
The year is 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. His life is that of a perfectly ordinary army officer's boarding school, good manners, and a classical education. With his father suddenly posted to India, and his mother mysteriously 'unwell', Sherlock is sent to stay with his eccentric uncle and aunt in their vast house in Hampshire. It is the summer of 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. On break from boarding school, he is staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt—in their vast house in Hampshire. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock's true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.
Character compass
Sherlock Holmes
Matty Arnatt
Virginia Crowe
Amyus Crowe
Mycroft Holmes
Baron Maupertuis
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Young Sherlock to become a detective?
How do you feel about Sherlock's relationship with his friends and how they help each other?
What character traits do you admire in Sherlock and why?
How would you solve a mystery in your own life using Sherlock's techniques?
What lessons did you learn from the challenges Sherlock faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Sherlock's shoes; ask how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as depicted in the book, highlighting specific instances from the story.
Ask your child to point out moments where Sherlock shows critical thinking, and relate those to everyday problem-solving scenarios.
Create a fun, detective-themed activity where your child can play detective, using clues to solve a simple 'mystery' you set up at home.
After finishing the book, encourage them to express which parts of the story they found most exciting or surprising, fostering a deeper connection to the reading material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist, a young Sherlock Holmes, demonstrates exceptional deductive reasoning and analytical skills as he unravels the mystery surrounding the 'Death Cloud'.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills to solve their own problems, whether they are academic challenges or social conflicts, by observing, questioning, and evaluating information before coming to conclusions.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Sherlock faces numerous setbacks and challenges but his determination never wanes, showcasing the importance of sticking to one's goals despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be persistent in their endeavors whether it involves completing a difficult school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Sherlock's relationship with his friend and confidant, Amyus Crowe, highlights the importance of trust, loyalty, and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining healthy relationships, and how good friends can provide support and guidance through various stages of life.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: Sherlock often faces moral dilemmas where he must choose between easy options and the right ones. His choices reflect a strong moral compass.
Real-World Application: This element of the story helps children understand the importance of making ethical decisions and the impact their choices can have on others.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Sherlock frequently confronts danger, showing bravery and a willingness to face his fears to protect others and seek justice.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it.