#17 in Nancy Drew Series
The Clue in the Crossword Cipher
1967 by
on Goodreads (5,143)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George travel to Peru to solve the mystery of a valuable crossword puzzle. They will face many dangers as they discover hidden treasures and decode an ancient Inca writing.
Why read this book
- Engaging mystery that stimulates analytical thinking.
- Introduces cultural knowledge and historical insights.
- Strengthens vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
- Encourages curiosity and attention to detail.
The Big Picture
- Promotes curiosity through engaging puzzle-solving narrative.
- Enhances problem-solving skills, essential for real-world challenges.
- Encourages persistence in facing everyday tasks and problems.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse cultural settings and historical insights.
- Encourages respect and understanding of different cultures.
- Promotes problem-solving through multicultural perspectives.
Book in series
#17
Age
8-12
Length
177 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think Nancy Drew felt when she uncovered the clue in the crossword cipher?
How does solving mysteries influence the way characters in the book trust each other?
Why do you think the author chose a crossword cipher as the clue?
How would you have reacted if you were in Nancy’s shoes and found a mysterious crossword cipher?
What do you think is the importance of teamwork in solving mysteries, as seen in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the detective, asking how they would handle discovering clues and solving puzzles.
Discuss the concept of perseverance shown by Nancy Drew, and relate it to everyday challenges that your child might face.
Highlight the fun and intrigue of deciphering codes and puzzles, potentially creating simple ciphers together as a fun activity.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of paying attention to detail and how it can help in problem-solving situations both in academics and in life.
After reading, consider engaging in a themed crossword puzzle that uses elements or terms from the book, enhancing both their understanding and vocabulary.
What parents love
Engages kids with puzzles and mysteries.
Develops critical thinking skills.
Age-appropriate suspense and excitement.
Promotes problem-solving in a fun way.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout 'The Clue in the Crossword Cipher,' the protagonist Nancy Drew demonstrates keen problem-solving skills as she deciphers clues and solves the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the story to academic challenges or puzzles in real life, enhancing their critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The book takes Nancy to exotic locations where she learns about different cultures and histories, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diverse societies.
Real-World Application: Children can become more culturally aware and respectful towards people from different backgrounds they meet in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Nancy's determination in solving the mystery despite numerous challenges showcases the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of persisting through difficulties whether in completing their schoolwork, learning a new skill, or in their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: Nancy’s ability to notice and make connections between minor details is crucial in deciphering the crossword cipher.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to pay closer attention to details which can aid them in studies, especially in subjects like mathematics and science.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Nancy uses the resources available to her efficiently, whether it’s her intellect, the people she meets, or the materials she finds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use the resources at their disposal creatively, be it in problem-solving tasks, group projects or personal hobbies.