#41 in Nancy Drew Series
Captive Witness
1980 by
on Goodreads (2,275)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew mystery series follows the teenage sleuth Nancy and her friends as they travel to Austria. There, they become a part of an international chase involving a beautiful dancing girl who is fled her country, and a man who believes in her innocence so strongly that he is willing to risk his life to save her. Nancy unravels a complex mystery and helps the girl escape her captors.
Why read this book
- Engaging mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
- Cultural insights foster global awareness and curiosity.
- Strong female protagonist inspires confidence and resilience.
- Encourages interaction through cliff-hangers and plot twists.
The Big Picture
- Encourages courage and resourcefulness.
- Enhances problem-solving and ethical understanding.
- Fosters teamwork and integrity.
- Promotes discussions on justice and moral choices.
Diversity & Representation
- Promotes cultural understanding through international settings and characters.
- Features diverse characters contributing to a global perspective.
- Encourages empathy and inclusivity through multicultural interactions.
Book in series
#41
Age
8-14
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy Drew felt when she was trying to solve the mystery? How would you feel in her situation?
Why do you think teamwork was important in 'Captive Witness'? Can you recall a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What lessons did you learn from the characters' experiences in the book?
How do the different settings in the story affect the events that happen? Which setting did you find most interesting and why?
If you could ask Carolyn Keene one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motivations of characters and how they relate to the choices made in the story.
Discuss the importance of observation and detail in solving mysteries, relating it to everyday problem-solving skills.
Highlight the cultural aspects presented in the book, exploring together how different environments can influence actions and decisions.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of courage and resourcefulness in difficult situations.
What parents love
Exciting mystery, perfect for young detectives!
Great for vocabulary building and understanding context.
Captures child's interest while gently educating.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'Captive Witness,' the protagonist Nancy Drew demonstrates perseverance as she tackles challenges and solves the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in solving problems or completing tasks, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: The value of cultural understanding
Explanation: In the story, Nancy travels to different countries, encountering various cultural practices which she respects and learns from.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and respectful towards diverse cultures they meet in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Nancy often works together with her friends Bess and George, utilizing each person’s strengths to accomplish their goals.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught the significance of teamwork and how collaborating with others can help achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases Nancy’s ability to think critically and make quick decisions, which are crucial in her detective work.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of analyzing situations and making informed decisions, useful in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of danger
Explanation: Despite the risks involved in her investigations, Nancy displays courage and determination to bring about justice.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave and stand up for what is right, even when it might be intimidating.