#43 in Nancy Drew Series
The Ringmaster's Secret
on Goodreads (6,101)
What’s inside...
In this book, amateur sleuth Nancy Drew joins a circus in order to investigate some mysterious occurrences. She uncovers a scheme to defraud the circus's owners and, with her friends Bess and George, sets out to bring the culprits to justice.
Character compass
Discussion points
What did you think about how Trixie solved the mystery of the missing horses?
How do you think the ringmaster felt when the secret was revealed?
What would you have done if you were in Trixie's shoes?
Why do you think it is important to help others, like Trixie did in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes and characters to open up the dialogue.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences; this makes the conversation more personal and engaging.
Prompt your child to think about what they would do differently from the characters and discuss the outcomes.
Allow your child to lead the conversation sometimes; this fosters their critical thinking and articulation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty and integrity
Explanation: In 'The Ringmaster's Secret', Nancy Drew embodies honesty as she tirelessly seeks the truth about a mysterious charm bracelet. Her actions consistently reflect integrity, even when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being honest and maintaining integrity in their day-to-day activities, such as in school or with friends, showing them that truthfulness builds trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy faces numerous obstacles and setbacks in her quest, yet she remains determined and never gives up. This illustrates the theme of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when facing difficulties in their studies, sports, or any other activities. It teaches them that persisting through challenges is crucial to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Nancy Drew shows great empathy in dealing with the characters in the book, understanding their situations and motives, which aids in solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy in real life—being able to understand and share the feelings of others can lead to stronger relationships and better conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist's approach to solving the mystery involves gathering information, analyzing clues, and making logical deductions. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use these skills to tackle their own problems, whether academic or personal, helping them to make informed decisions and develop independence.