The Mystery on the Underground Railroad (Real Kids, Real Places) (Real Kids! Real Places! (Paperback))
#1 in Real Kids, Real Places Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
When four real kids visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Philadelphia, they learn the history, geography, and secrets of the Underground Railroad as they race to find stolen quilts before the grand opening! This mystery book, part of the Carole Marsh Mysteries series, incorporates educational elements including SAT words, historical facts, and cultural insights. It is recommended for children in grades K-8 and includes Accelerated Reader quizzes, a Lexile Level, and a Fountas & Pinnell guided reading level.
Discussion points
What do you think were the biggest challenges the characters faced while using the Underground Railroad?
How do you think the people helping the slaves felt about the risks they were taking?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done differently?
Why is it important to learn about the Underground Railroad today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of both the escaping slaves and the helpers on the Underground Railroad to deepen their understanding of courage and sacrifice.
Discuss the historical context of the Underground Railroad, emphasizing its importance and impact on American history.
Use a map to trace a possible route of the Underground Railroad, integrating a visual and interactive element to the reading experience.
Link the themes of the book to current events or social justice issues to make the conversation relevant to today's world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The characters in 'The Mystery on the Underground Railroad' demonstrate courage when they explore historical sites and uncover the secrets of the Underground Railroad. Their bravery in facing the unknown mirrors the courage of the slaves who used the Railroad to escape.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by standing up for what they believe is right and facing their fears, whether it’s speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or defending a friend.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and heritage
Explanation: Through their adventure, the young characters learn significant lessons about the past and its impact on present times, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving history.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore their own family histories and cultural heritages, fostering a deeper appreciation and respect for diverse backgrounds and stories.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters must work together to solve the mysteries they encounter. This collaboration highlights the strength of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This principle can be applied in group projects at school, in sports teams, or in community activities where working together is essential to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As the characters uncover clues and solve puzzles, they demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills crucial to their success.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize these skills in academic settings, like during math or science classes, and in everyday decision-making processes.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout their challenges, the characters show resilience in the face of setbacks. This resilience is a key theme that runs parallel to the historical context of the Underground Railroad.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to bounce back from personal setbacks, whether they face a poor grade or a lost game, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties.