Mandie and the Missing Schoolmarm
#24 in Mandie Series
on Goodreads (462)
What’s inside...
Mandie book 39. In the midst of her summer vacation, Mandie learns that her beloved teacher, Miss Hope, has disappeared. At her wits' end, Miss Hope's sister, Miss Prudence, calls in Mandie's grandmother for help. As the new school year approaches and the teacher has yet to be found, Mandie worries that her grandmother, who owns the school building, may step in to fill Miss Hope's place--spurring Mandie and her friends to mount their own efforts to find the missing schoolmarm.
Discussion points
Why do you think Mandie was determined to find the missing schoolmarm?
How do you think the characters felt when they realized the schoolmarm was missing?
What would you have done if you were in Mandie's position?
How do the friendships in the story help them solve the mystery?
What does this story teach us about courage and teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Mandie’s shoes, and ask them how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book, and ask your child about times they had to work with others to solve a problem.
Focus on the feelings of the characters in different scenarios to help your child understand empathy.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story to enhance comprehension and recall.
Link the themes of the book to real-life events or situations to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Mandie consistently uses her determination and perseverance to solve the mystery of the missing schoolmarm.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through challenges and not giving up when facing difficult situations in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mandie relies on her friends to help navigate the challenges they face, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to cherish and rely on friends for support and collaboration, fostering healthy social relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for authority
Explanation: Mandie respects and cooperates with adults and authority figures while investigating, demonstrating the importance of listening to and respecting those in charge.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting teachers, parents, and other authority figures, which can lead to more harmonious interactions and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The mystery-solving aspect of the book encourages readers to think critically and pay attention to detail.
Real-World Application: This promotes problem-solving skills in children, helping them tackle academic challenges and everyday problems more effectively.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Mandie shows bravery when confronting unknown elements of the mystery, teaching readers about overcoming fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face new challenges and unfamiliar situations with courage, which can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.