The Case of the Stolen Sixpence: The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchins Book 1 (The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchins, 1)
#1 of 8 in The Mysteries Of Maisie Hitchins Series
What’s inside...
In the tradition of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries comes The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchins! Twelve-year-old Maisie is a noticing sort of person, which makes her believe she would be an excellent detective. However, she spends her days doing chores at her grandmother's boarding house. In The Case of the Stolen Sixpence, Maisie finally gets a chance to prove her detective skills when a crime occurs in her Victorian London neighborhood. With the adults uninterested in solving the case, Maisie and her dog Eddie take it upon themselves to find clues and crack the case. This first book in the series features black and white illustrations and presents a thrilling mystery filled with tricks, disguises, and danger.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Maisie a good detective?
How do you think Maisie felt when she discovered her first clue?
What would you have done differently if you were in Maisie's shoes during her investigation?
How did the characters in the story show trust and teamwork?
What did you learn about solving problems from Maisie’s adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Maisie’s shoes, fostering empathy and enhancing understanding of the storyline.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, prompting your child to reflect on what they might do in similar situations.
Highlight Maisie’s persistence and resourcefulness to inspire similar qualities in your child.
After discussing each question, relate them back to personal experiences or similar situations your child might encounter, making the conversation more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Maisie Hitchins uses her sharp observation skills and deduction to solve the mystery of the stolen sixpence, showing how critical thinking is essential in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in their everyday lives, whether in resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming obstacles in school projects.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, Maisie persists in her quest to uncover the truth, demonstrating the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance when faced with difficulties, whether it’s mastering a new skill or completing a tough assignment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through her interactions with others, Maisie shows empathy and strives to understand different perspectives, especially when figuring out why someone may have stolen the sixpence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others’ feelings and viewpoints, fostering better relationships and encouraging kinder interactions in their communities.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The resolution of the mystery hinges on uncovering the truth, underscoring the importance of honesty in the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the value of being truthful in real-life situations, such as admitting mistakes or being honest in their dealings with friends and adults.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what’s right
Explanation: Maisie shows bravery as she seeks justice for a wrongly accused friend, teaching the moral courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of advocating for themselves and others, which can be applied in situations such as standing against bullying or helping someone in need.