Running Girl
#1 in The Garvie Smith Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (2,187)
What’s inside...
Meet Garvie Smith. Highest IQ ever recorded at Marsh Academy. Lowest ever grades. What's the point, anyway? Life sucks. Nothing ever happens.
Until Chloe Dow's body is pulled from a pond.
DI Singh is already on the case. Ambitious, uptight, methodical - he's determined to solve the mystery and get promoted. He doesn't need any 'assistance' from notorious slacker, Smith.
Or does he?
Why read this book
- Gripping mystery captivates and stimulates young minds.
- Features strong, smart female protagonist.
- Encourages deductive reasoning and attention to detail.
- Supports development of empathy and moral judgment.
Character compass
Garvie Smith
Raminder Singh
Discussion points
How do you think Garvie Smith's unique personality and talents help him solve the mystery of Chloe Dow's disappearance?
What do you think about the relationships between the teenagers in the story? How do they support or challenge each other?
What role do you think the community and the environment play in the unfolding of the events in 'Running Girl'?
How do you feel about the way the story ended? What different choices do you think the characters could have made?
If you were in Garvie's shoes, how would you approach solving a mystery? What qualities do you think a good detective should have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider different character perspectives by asking them how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of critical thinking and attention to detail, which are crucial in mystery-solving, and relate these skills to daily life problem-solving scenarios.
Highlight Garvie Smith’s methods for solving the mystery and encourage your child to think about how they gather and analyze information in their own life.
Use the complex relationships in the book to talk about friendship, trust, and peer pressure, discussing how these elements affect their own experiences and decisions.
After reading, compare and contrast 'Running Girl' with other mystery books or shows you’ve encountered together, discussing the different ways mysteries are constructed and resolved.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Running Girl', the protagonist consistently faces challenges and obstacles that require her to keep pushing forward, despite the difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with their own challenges, whether it's completing a difficult school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking
Explanation: The plot revolves around solving a mystery, which encourages readers to think critically and analytically alongside the characters.
Real-World Application: This skill can be applied in a child’s life when making decisions, solving problems, or understanding complex information in school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: As characters interact and reveal their stories and vulnerabilities, 'Running Girl' showcases the importance of understanding and empathizing with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more considerate and understanding in their interactions with friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The young protagonist takes on the responsibility of solving a crime, learning to be accountable for her actions and decisions throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and being accountable, which is crucial as they grow and gain more independence.
Example Lesson: The benefits of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the investigation, cooperation and collaboration among various characters play a key role in solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others can lead to successful outcomes, a lesson applicable in group projects and team sports.