#33 in Nancy Drew Series
The Witch Tree Symbol
1955 by
on Goodreads (6,713)
What’s inside...
Nancy, Bess, and George are on the trail of a group of dangerous con artists. The girls follow a twisted maze of folk lore and superstition to the popular Witch Tree symbol at the Pennsylvania Dutch country. As the girls uncover clues to a centuries old mystery, they need to outsmart the criminals who will stop at nothing to recover a lost treasure.
Why read this book
- Engaging mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
- Encourages critical thinking and deductive reasoning.
- Cultivates a love for suspenseful, imaginative storytelling.
- Strengthens reading comprehension and attention to detail.
The Big Picture
- Promotes courage through engaging, mystical adventures.
- Encourages understanding and celebration of differences.
- Helps children develop resilience and cooperative skills.
- Ideal for discussions on real-life challenges and teamwork.
Diversity & Representation
- Explores themes from various cultural and historical perspectives.
- Includes diverse character backgrounds enriching the narrative.
- Promotes inclusivity through multi-dimensional character portrayals.
Book in series
#33
Age
8-12
Length
179 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think the symbol on the witch tree represents and why is it significant in the story?
How did Nancy Drew's actions and decisions influence the outcome of the mystery?
Can you relate to any of the challenges Nancy faced? How would you handle a similar situation?
What qualities do you admire in Nancy Drew and other characters in the book?
How do you think the setting of the story contributed to the overall mood and mystery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Nancy Drew's shoes, which can spark deeper understanding and empathy. Discuss the characters' motives and actions to explore moral and ethical questions. Relate the story's themes to real-life situations to help your child make connections and enhance comprehension. Use the mystery element of the story to keep the conversation intriguing and engaging.
What parents love
Engaging magical tale, my child read it twice!
Teaches moral lessons subtly, without being preachy.
Perfect balance of fantasy and real-life lessons.
Captivating story, keeps kids hooked till the end.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Witch Tree Symbol,' the protagonist Nancy Drew solves a mysterious case through continuous effort and resilience despite facing numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persisting through difficulties, whether in solving a problem or completing a task, leads to success and growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The story introduces elements of Amish culture, which Nancy approaches with respect and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect cultural differences they encounter in their community or school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Nancy often relies on her friends Bess and George for support and assistance in her investigations, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy Drew uses her critical thinking skills to connect clues and solve the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use logical reasoning and problem-solving in their daily decisions and academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Nancy shows courage when confronting unknown situations and potential dangers during her investigation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and step out of their comfort zones in safe and supported ways.