The Mark of the Scorpion: A Choose Your Path Mystery
Choose Your Path Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
In 'The Mark of the Scorpion,' readers transform into detectives in a thrilling mystery adventure set in the Desert Southwest. During a solo trip to visit a cousin, the protagonist discovers vandalism marked by a scorpion symbol at Vulture’s Point. As they collect clues and solve puzzles, readers make choices that lead to different outcomes in the story. The plot thickens when it becomes evident that the graffiti is part of a larger scheme threatening to destroy the park and endanger lives. With time running out, readers must decode messages, identify suspects, and stop the sinister plot before the scorpion strikes again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
152 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What decision would you make if you were in the main character's shoes when faced with the mystery?
How do you think teamwork and trust play a role in solving the mystery in the story?
What are some strengths and weaknesses of the main characters, and how do they affect their choices in the mystery?
How do you feel about the choices you made while reading the book, and would you change any if you re-read it?
What lessons do you think the story tries to teach about problem-solving and decision-making?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explain their choices and the outcomes they led to, fostering a deeper understanding of cause and effect.
Discuss the importance of moral values and integrity when making choices, drawing parallels to real-life situations.
Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of actions, helping your child understand accountability.
Highlight the collaborative aspects of the story, encouraging your child to relate them to their experiences with teamwork in school or in sports.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings based on different choices to cultivate creative thinking and perspective-taking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Decision-making
Explanation: Throughout 'The Mark of the Scorpion,' children are presented with various choices that determine the story’s outcome, teaching them about consequences.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to consider the outcomes of their choices in real-life situations, encouraging thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The mystery format of the book engages readers in solving puzzles and finding clues to advance the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in academic settings or in overcoming everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: Characters in the book face moral dilemmas where they must choose between easy but dishonest paths and right but difficult ones.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of integrity and can guide them to make morally sound decisions amidst real-world temptations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As readers make choices for the protagonist, they learn to consider how their decisions affect other characters, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate different perspectives and impacts of their actions on others in their community.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey emphasizes the role of personal responsibility in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take responsibility for their homework, chores, and personal behavior.