The After School Detective Club: The Case of the Smuggler's Curse: Book 1
#1 of 3 in The After School Detective Club Series
on Goodreads (265)
What’s inside...
In the first book of The After School Detective Club series, a group of intrepid youngsters form a detective club after school to solve a thrilling mystery involving smugglers. They must use their collective wit, courage, and friendship to unravel the curse that ties the smugglers to their town. Lucy, Max, Charlie, and Joe, along with Charlie's faithful dog, Sherlock, stumble upon a phantom figure on Southwold beach one winter's night, leading them to an unexpected mystery. As they delve deeper, their adventure escalates with motorboats, tracking devices, bedroom breakouts, and daring sea rescues. Their investigations eventually get them into trouble with the police, forcing them into a decisive undercover operation for a final showdown with a ruthless gang of smugglers.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery in 'The After School Detective Club: The Case of the Smuggler’s Curse'?
How did the characters in the book work together to overcome challenges?
If you were part of the After School Detective Club, what role would you choose and why?
What are some of the clues that helped the detectives solve the case?
How did the story make you feel? Were there any parts that surprised you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the story and characters. This helps develop critical thinking skills.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after certain events in the book. This keeps them engaged and stimulates their imagination.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions made by the characters to enhance understanding of right and wrong.
Relate the book’s themes or situations to your child’s own experiences to deepen personal connections with the story.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene or character. This fosters creativity and deeper interaction with the book’s content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'The After School Detective Club: The Case of the Smuggler's Curse,' the characters collaborate to solve the mystery, demonstrating how working together can lead to successfully overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work with others, appreciating different perspectives and strengths, which aids in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The young detectives gather clues and analyze information to solve the case, showcasing the importance of critical thinking and logical reasoning.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach problems in their academic and personal lives with a reasoned and thoughtful mindset.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The characters often face fearful situations but choose to act bravely, emphasizing the value of facing one's fears to achieve a greater good.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face new challenges confidently, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: Throughout their investigation, the club members remain truthful and uphold strong moral principles, teaching the significance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being honest in their dealings with friends and adults, which fosters trust and respect.