Detective Camp (A to Z Mysteries Super Edition, No. 1)
#1 of 26 in A to Z Mysteries Series
What’s inside...
In the Super Edition #1 of the A to Z Mysteries series, titled 'Detective Camp', Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose head to a summer camp specifically designed for young detectives. During their week at camp, they engage in various activities centered around crime-solving and following clues. As they work on solving a camp mystery with their fellow campers, they stumble onto something suspicious, hinting at a real crime taking place. This book combines mystery-solving fun with interactive elements like a map and hidden message, and continues the beloved series that has sold over 8 million copies.
Character compass
Donald 'Dink' Duncan
Josh Pinto
Ruth Rose Hathaway
Discussion points
What do you think makes Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose great detectives? Can you think of qualities they have that help them solve mysteries?
How did the characters work together to solve the camp mystery? What can we learn about teamwork from their adventure?
If you were at Detective Camp, what kind of mystery would you want to solve? How would you go about finding the clues?
What do you think about the setting of the camp? How does it add to the suspense and excitement of the story?
How did the story keep you guessing about what would happen next? What were some of the most surprising twists?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make a good detective, linking those traits to their everyday life and how they can use those qualities themselves.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book. Highlight specific instances from the story where cooperation between the characters led to success.
Let your child's imagination run wild by asking them to come up with their own mystery they would like to solve, discussing step-by-step how they would gather and analyze clues.
After reading, visit a similar setting like a local park or camp area, and create a small mystery game with clues for your child to solve, enhancing their engagement with the story's setting.
Talk about the structure of a mystery story and how suspense is built. Ask your child to recall parts of the book that were unpredictable and discuss how those surprises made the story more enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: As the characters in 'Detective Camp' unravel mysteries, they employ a variety of problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in academic settings, like solving complex math problems or understanding scientific processes, as well as in resolving everyday conflicts and challenges.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, teamwork is crucial in solving the camp's mysteries. Characters learn to work together, combining their unique skills to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of cooperation in group projects at school or in sports, and teaches children the value of diverse perspectives and skills.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: The young detectives in the book pay close attention to detail to solve the mysteries, a skill that is highlighted as a key to their success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of observing and paying attention to details, which can help them in academic excellence and in daily activities like following recipes or instructions.
Example Lesson: Cultivating curiosity
Explanation: The narrative encourages curiosity as the characters explore and investigate various scenarios, demonstrating that asking questions leads to discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be inquisitive about the world around them can enhance their educational journey and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the characters face choices that test their morals and ethics. Their decisions reflect the importance of honesty and integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in helping children understand the importance of making ethical decisions in real life, such as being honest in their schoolwork or in their interpersonal relationships.