Room 13
#1 in Mr. J.G. Reeder Series
on Goodreads (348)
What’s inside...
Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer known for his prolific literary output, including screenplays, poetry, historical non-fiction, stage plays, short stories, and novels. He wrote over 170 novels and nearly a thousand short stories, with his works selling over 50 million copies. His significant contributions began after his 1907 trip to the Congo Free State, leading to his first collection, Sanders of the River, in 1911. By the 1920s, he was celebrated as 'The King of Thrillers'. Wallace also had an unsuccessful run as a Liberal MP before moving to Hollywood to work as a scriptwriter, where he contributed to drafting King Kong before his sudden death. Room 13 (1924) marked the first of his series featuring J G Reeder, a civil servant turned detective, which was adapted into a film in 1938. A different Room 13, written by Robert Swindells in 1989, is a children's horror novel that won the Red House Children's Book Award and involves a group of friends uncovering the mystery of a sinister room that only appears at night during a school trip in Whitby. Meanwhile, in a separate storyline, recently released from prison, John Gray visits his old friend Peter Kane on the day of his daughter's wedding. Kane agrees to an audience with Emanuel Legg, a criminal and cop-killer with whom he has business, while Gray discovers that the debonair Major Floyd, the new husband of Kane's daughter, is a sinister fraudster.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered Room 13? How would you feel in that situation?
Why do you think the author chose to include mysterious elements in the story? How do they make you feel as you read?
What are some lessons the main character learns by the end of the book? Can you think of a time you learned a similar lesson?
How do you think teamwork and trust play a role in uncovering the mysteries in the story?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would you choose and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's atmosphere and characters, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Discuss the importance of the setting in mystery stories, and how it affects the mood and the unfolding of the plot.
Help your child relate the experiences of the characters to their own life, fostering empathy and personal reflection.
Explore the concept of suspense and surprise in the story, asking your child to predict outcomes or twists before they occur, to build anticipation and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In 'Room 13', the characters often face challenging situations that require bravery to overcome. Their perseverance in the face of danger serves as a powerful example.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with difficult situations at school.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to solve mysteries and navigate threats. This cooperation highlights how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate the benefits of collaborating with others, be it in group projects at school, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem solving
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Room 13' often engage in problem-solving, analyzing clues and strategizing their next moves, which showcases the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking to their academic work or in resolving everyday conflicts with peers, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: The characters in the story are occasionally faced with moral dilemmas, providing a platform to explore the consequences of various choices.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of making ethical choices and considering the impact of their actions on others.