What makes a whodunit so fun to read?
The suspense, of course!
Here's why mystery books are great tools for skill-building, too:
1. They're BIG on Details
- Was there a footprint in the attic?
- A sock left on the floor?
Mysteries are full of little details that could prove to be important clues.
Learning to pay close attention to such specifics is a key skill that readers will have to master to deepen their understanding, and it will make reading more rewarding for them.
2. They make KIDS ask "WHY"
Mysteries are all about cause and effect. Recognizing a suspect's motives is a big part of appreciating a mystery, and trying to figure out why a culprit did it keeps those pages turning.
Even the most hesitant readers will want to get to the end to see how the story unfolds. Understanding cause and effect early will make tackling the concept in longer stories and novels easier later on.
3. They encourage Re-Reading!
Nothing improves reading skills like practice, practice and more practice. Revisiting a familiar text can help young readers build confidence, and it's a lot of fun to go back and see what clues they missed. Plus, sometimes a story is EVEN better when kids know how it ends- it's almost like being let in on a secret!
Some Great Page Turners to check out:
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
The boy detecitve who "likes to work along" finds lost balloons, books, slippers - even a goldfish. A great introduction to chapter books for newly independent readers. Random House. $6. Ages 5 to 8.
Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Sixteen people are invited to hear the reading of millionaire Samuel. Westing's will. Who will inherit his fortune? And more importantly, who murdered him? Follow the will's clues to find out! Penguin, $8. Ages 8 and up.