Nate the Great Series
Big Nate Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
This Nate the Great Series includes the following 5 books: Nate the Great, Nate the Great Stalks Stupidweed, Nate the Great and the Pillowcase, Nate the Great and the Lost List, Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt. This classic detective mystery series for beginning readers includes 5 books, with 15 million copies in print! Fun, charming, full-color illustrations bring the cast of characters to life, and the short chapters make these chapter-books perfect for introducing young boys and girls to the mystery genre. Whether reading at home or working with the Common Core standards in school, the books and the activities sections in the back get kids to use logical progression to problem-solve and to bring these skills into everyday life, just like Nate does. And now included in the back of each book is a letter to adult Nate fans to help you and the children in your life get the most out of this series. Nate the Great has a new case! His friend Annie has lost a picture. She wants Nate to help her find it. Nate the Great must get all the facts, ask the right questions, and narrow the list of suspects so he can solve the mystery. Nate the Great Stalks Stupidweed: Nate the Great’s friend Oliver has lost the weed he bought at Rosamond’s ADOPT-A-WEED plant sale. But it’s not just a dandelion or a clover. It’s a Superweed! With his dog, Sludge, Nate must search for clues in the woods, the park, and even the library. But is the biggest clue right under his nose? 'Nate, Sludge, and all their friends have been delighting beginning readers for years.' —Kirkus Reviews
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Nate the Great is so determined to solve every mystery?
How do you feel when Nate finds clues and gets closer to solving a case?
What would you do if you were in Nate's shoes and faced a challenging mystery?
How do Nate's friends help him in his investigations? Can you think of a time when your friends helped you solve a problem?
What lessons about perseverance and teamwork can we learn from Nate's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to predict the outcome of the mystery before finishing the book, fostering critical thinking skills.
Discuss the importance of attention to detail, a key skill Nate uses to solve mysteries, and explore how it can be applied in everyday life.
Highlight the value of perseverance demonstrated by Nate; relate it to real-life scenarios where persistence is crucial.
After reading, ask your child if they would have handled the mystery differently, promoting personal reflection and decision-making skills.
Use Nate's clever observations to inspire your child to be more observant in their surroundings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Nate the Great takes young readers on a journey of solving mysteries, showing the importance of observation, deductive reasoning, and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize these problem-solving skills in daily challenges, from figuring out puzzles to resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of attention to detail
Explanation: By following Nate’s detective work, children learn that paying attention to small details can be crucial in solving bigger problems.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children become meticulous in their academics and personal projects, enhancing their ability to notice and appreciate finer details.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Though a great detective, Nate often collaborates with his friends to solve mysteries, illustrating that teamwork can achieve more than working alone.
Real-World Application: Promotes collaboration among children during group activities, teaching them to value diverse perspectives and skills.
Example Lesson: Building persistence
Explanation: Each story shows Nate facing challenges yet persisting until he solves the mystery, teaching readers the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in their endeavors, whether completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: Developing curiosity
Explanation: Nate’s adventures spark curiosity and encourage questioning, central to investigative thinking.
Real-World Application: Curiosity leads children to explore new topics, ask questions in class, and engage deeply with the world around them.