Mariella Mystery Investigates The Disappearance of Diana Dumpling (Mariella Mysteries)
#7 in Mariella Mystery Series
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
Mariella Mystery is back in the seventh installment of the bestselling series, embarking on a quest to save lunch at her school. When the beloved lunch lady, Diana Dumpling, suddenly disappears, Mariella and her gal pals, the Mystery Girls, jump into action. Using her detective skills and the clues she collects in her journal, Mariella works to solve the case and get to the bottom of the kitchen nightmare. Fans of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid', 'Dork Diaries', and 'Clarice Bean' will love following Mariella on her exciting escapades as she tries to crack the case and save the day.
Character compass
Mariella Mystery
Discussion points
What do you think made Diana Dumpling disappear?
How do you think Mariella feels when she's solving mysteries? Can you relate to her feelings?
What would you do if you were in Mariella's shoes and had to solve this mystery?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
If you could ask Mariella one question about her detective work, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective, maybe even jotting down notes or clues as they read along with Mariella.
Discuss the emotions tied with each character, reflecting on how different situations might affect their feelings or decisions.
After finishing the book, have your child summarize the mystery and solution. This reinforces comprehension and retention.
Relate the story to your child's real-life experiences, asking them if they've ever faced a mystery or problem and how they dealt with it.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s analytical and critical thinking as they navigate through the mystery with Mariella.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Mariella Mystery approaches the mysterious disappearance with a keen sense of investigation and logical reasoning, showcasing how to put together clues and solve the puzzle.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in everyday life by tackling school projects or resolving conflicts among friends with a logical and step-by-step approach.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the investigation, Mariella collaborates with her friends, which highlights the importance of working together and valuing different perspectives to reach a solution.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperation and respecting others' opinions in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Mariella's constant quest for the truth underpins the story, promoting a love for discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, whether it's asking questions in class or exploring new hobbies.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mariella takes responsibility for finding Diana Dumpling, demonstrating the importance of committing to a task and seeing it through.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their assignments or chores at home, understanding that commitment leads to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The protagonist’s methodical approach to solving the mystery encourages critical thinking, as she evaluates the reliability of clues and sources.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in discerning accurate information from misleading ones in their studies and daily interactions.