Mystery at Shadow Pond
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (82)
What’s inside...
When Neale and Margie Lawson hear that their father will have to sell his shore land and their beloved horse, Firefly, they are miserable. They can find no way to help until a strange red car, a lost cat, and the odd behavior of an eccentric old man draw them into a mystery involving the lost letters of a famous New England artist. The Lawsons and their friend Rupert Reed, son of the Ranger at the camp across the lake, are plunged into a bewildering tangle of strange doings. Neale thinks that his robot-burglar alarm might help to solve the mystery, and Margie is sure that her grandfather's books hold the key to the problem. Both children are right, but it takes two discoveries -- one in a cave on the mountain and one in the middle of Shadow Pond -- to set things straight. Mary Jane's earlier mysteries, all exciting and fun to read, have found an appreciative audience. 'Mystery at Shadow Pond' will add new friends to the large number of boys and girls who look forward to a book by this favorite author.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main characters felt when they first discovered the mystery at Shadow Pond?
How would you solve the mystery if you were in the story?
What are some ways the characters worked together to solve the mystery?
What did you learn about teamwork from this story?
Were there any parts of the book that surprised you? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, enhancing empathy and problem-solving skills. Discuss the characters' emotions and actions to deepen understanding of teamwork and collaboration. Use surprises in the book to explore expectations and perspectives, fostering critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through the protagonist's journey to uncover the mystery at Shadow Pond, the book showcases how to approach and solve problems systematically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques in their daily challenges, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to solve the mystery, highlighting the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This reinforces to children the importance of working cooperatively in group settings, such as in sports teams or school projects.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The young characters demonstrate courage when facing unknown and potentially frightening situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, even when it feels difficult.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book encourages a sense of curiosity and determination to seek knowledge and truth.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore, ask questions, and seek deeper understanding in all areas of their education and daily experiences.
Example Lesson: Ethics and integrity
Explanation: As the mystery unfolds, choices have to be made that test the characters' integrity, reinforcing the consequences of one’s actions.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the significance of making ethical decisions and helps them understand how their actions affect others around them.