Why do we love a mystery? For one thing, there’s a clear goal: figure out who caused the problem and why. It’s innate in our nature to problem solve. Well-written mysteries will keep us guessing throughout the plotline. But just when you think you’ve figured it out, the clever detective reveals that Mrs. Green definitely DID NOT commit the crime with a candlestick in the cellar! So, back we go to the drawing board! The frustration caused by this dead end is short lived, quickly eclipsed by the earnest desire to “figure it out.” So again, we propel ourselves into the story to reexamine the clues, work through more complications, more suspicions, and test our hypotheses.
We love mysteries because the main characters are unique. They often are smart, a bit quirky, likeable—or we like to dislike them—and are underdogs who overcome huge obstacles. More often than not, our main character detective maintains a strong sense of right and wrong; an injustice or problem has occurred, and it needs to be rectified. Don’t we all yearn for that?
Why not introduce mysteries to your children—particularly if your children are still finding their feet in reading or are struggling to enjoy the process? Children’s mysteries don’t include the problems that seem to dominate adult mysteries, yet they can be just as engaging—and a compelling competition to screen time (Yes, you can test me on this one!).
Here are some practical benefits mysteries provide for all types of readers. Mysteries:
- Play upon our natural curiosity. We are quickly satisfied and pulled into the story. The need to know the resolution easily convinces us that the job of reading is worth the investment.
- Require careful attention to details. Before your child realizes it, they’re reading closely. Perhaps they’re even backing up and rereading. This close reading is what we want them to do in their school reading. The skill they’re practicing for enjoyment will transfer over to their school subjects as well.
- Model problem solving. Children’s mysteries are uniquely matched to the logical abilities of the reading grade level. Often, there is a kid detective—or a group of children working together. Conflict and resolution are displayed in relatable situations. Sometimes poor decisions are matched up against excellent ones. Kids will compare options, evaluate, and consider solutions. Subtly, the story helps build those critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrate examples of hard work and persistence. The solutions are never simple. There are compelling reasons to persist and resolve the situation. It’s good for us in our quick-solution-always-wins culture to provide examples of persistence, tenacity, and fighting for what is right.
Is Colonel Mustard the culprit? What is up that secret staircase? Mysteries catapult readers, engaging them in the story as put those sleuthing skills to work. What will be your child’s next read? Will it be a mystery? ~ Ruth
Mysteries for Young Readers:
Third Grade Detectives Series
Sugar Creek Gang Series
A to Z Mysteries Series
Mysteries for Older Readers:
5,000-Year-Old Puzzle: Solving a Mystery of Ancient Egypt
Logical Puzzles for Younger Kids:
