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August/September Webquest 2013 LibrarySparks 1 Introduction The Society of Children’s Mystery Writers is eager to discover and encourage promising young writers of mystery fiction. We’re announcing a competition to find the best junior authors of mystery fiction in the state. Based on detailed plot outlines and summaries of books in progress, we will award publishing contracts to the winners! Will your entry be chosen? Task You will start by watching a video of a detective story to get your creative juices flowing. Then, you will choose one of four popular authors of mysteries to learn about, along with the subgenre of mystery literature that author writes. Choose carefully! That will be the type of mystery story you will develop as your contest entry. After using web links to research your author and subgenre, you will meet with other junior authors who made the same choice to brainstorm original story ideas. From there, you will return to your computer station, where you will use online tools to develop your story and organize your plans into drafts of the plot outline and summary. At a second meeting with your author/subgenre group, you will review and critique each other’s work. Finally, you will polish your outline and summary and submit them to the Society of Children’s Mystery Writers competition. Process 1. As a group, read the introduction above and watch actor Esai Morales reading Private I. Guana: The Case of the Missing Chameleon, by Nina Laden, at www.storylineonline.net/iguana/fullscreen_yt.html. 2. Gather your supplies—paper and pencil for taking notes—and find a computer workstation. Calling All Mystery Writers Grades 5–6 Mystery Writers Webquest Technology Webquest • by | Diane Findlay

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Introduction
The Society of Children’s Mystery Writers is eager to discover and encourage promising young writers of mystery fiction. We’re announcing a competition to find the best junior authors of mystery fiction in the state. Based on detailed plot outlines and summaries of books in progress, we will award publishing contracts to the winners! Will your entry be chosen?
Task
You will start by watching a video of a detective story to get your creative juices flowing. Then, you will choose one of four popular authors of mysteries to learn about, along with the subgenre of mystery literature that author writes. Choose carefully! That will be the type of mystery story you will develop as your contest entry. After using web links to research your author and subgenre, you will meet with other junior authors who made the same choice to brainstorm original story ideas. From there, you will return to your computer station, where you will use online tools to develop your story and organize your plans into drafts of the plot outline and summary. At a second meeting with your author/subgenre group, you will review and critique each other’s work. Finally, you will polish your outline and summary and submit them to the Society of Children’s Mystery Writers competition.
Process
1. As a group, read the introduction above and watch actor Esai Morales reading Private I. Guana: The Case of the Missing Chameleon, by Nina Laden, at www.storylineonline.net/iguana/fullscreen_yt.html.
2. Gather your supplies—paper and pencil for taking notes—and find a computer workstation.
Calling All Mystery Writers
Webquest
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 2
3. Choose one of the popular children’s mystery authors below. You will study the author’s mystery subgenre and develop ideas for an original story of the same type.
Wendelin Van Draanen, Kid Detective Stories
Eric Berlin, Puzzle-Based Mysteries
Carl Hiaasen, Ecological Mysteries
4. After reading through all process steps, click on your chosen author’s name above to access part 1 of your online research guide. Complete part 1—Be sure to read the text in each prompt and between web links so you know exactly what you are looking for on each site. Not all websites you will visit are written for kids, so you might need a dictionary. Print part 1 when you are done.
5. Gather with others who chose the same author and subgenre to brainstorm and share ideas for original stories.
6. Armed with creative ideas, complete Part 2 of the online research guide to develop and organize your story ideas. Print your worksheet when you
are done (pages 5-7 of this document), along with the Peer Editing Sheet (page 16 of this document). Finish your outlines and summaries as homework, if necessary.
7. Meet again with your author/subgenre group. Take turns reading your summaries aloud and briefly discuss them. Find a partner. Exchange plot outlines and summaries. Review and critique each others’ work, using the peer editing sheet you printed. You will review each other’s plot outlines and summaries rather than finished stories. You will take home and turn in your partner’s peer editing sheet on your work. You will be evaluated on the sheet you completed about your partner’s work.
8. Use ideas from your group session to revise and improve your outline (on the second copy you will make) and summary. Finish revising your outlines and summaries as homework, if necessary.
9. Submit your finished work—your completed research guides, graphic organizer, peer editing sheet, revised outline, and story summary—to the Society representative (your teacher).
Evaluation Conclusion Peer Editing Sheet Mystery Elements Writing Guide Outline
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 3
You will be evaluated on your online research guide, with graphic organizers and printouts as assigned; your group work; and your final plot outline and summary. A maximum of 30 points is possible, including up to 4 discretionary points for overall excellence in comprehension, creativity, and effort. Note: You will turn in the peer editing sheet you used to improve your work, but you will be evaluated on the sheet you completed on your partner’s work.
Online Guide and Graphic Organizers
Group Work
Evaluation
Needed little help beyond written directions
Needed almost no help beyond written directions
Responses on guide and organizers
Incomplete; little comprehension of concepts
Mostly complete; adequate comprehension of concepts
Complete; excellent comprehension of concepts
Sidekick 1
Gumshoe 2
Super Sleuth 3
Followed directions Group didn’t cooperate well or stay on task
Group cooperated and stayed on task
Group cooperated enthusiastically and stayed on task
Individual participation in group
Enthusiastic participation; excellent cooperation
Little feedback or encouragement
Useful feedback and encouragement
Sidekick 1
Gumshoe 2
Not neat; many errors in spelling, grammar; and outline format
Fairly neat; some errors in spelling, grammar; or outline format
Very neat; almost no errors in spelling, grammar, or outline format
Content Shows little comprehension, critical thinking, or originality
Shows good comprehension, critical thinking, and originality
Shows excellent comprehension, critical thinking, and originality
Interest and effort Shows little effort or interest
Shows good effort and interest
Shows excellent effort and enthusiasm
Return to the Main Webquest.
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 4
We at The Society of Children’s Mystery Writers can not wait to review your work and choose our winners. Who knows—maybe one of you is the next Wendelin Van Draanen or Carl Hiaasen! Perhaps your story plans will grow into an acclaimed series, like The Buddy Files or The Puzzling World of Winston Breen!
If you enjoyed this webquest, you might like some of these resources, in addition to ones you have already read about:
Fiction The Case of the Missing Cutthroats, by Jean Craighead George. HarperCollins Reprints, 1999.
The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse (Chet Gecko Mysteries), by Bruce Hale. Perfection Learning, 2001.
Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett. Scholastic Paperbacks, 2005.
The Doll in the Garden: A Ghost Story, by Mary Downing Hahn. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007.
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsburg. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007.
Hundred-Year-Old Secret (The Sherlock Files), by Tracy Barrett. Square Fish, 2010.
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery, by John Feinstein. Yearling, 2006.
Liar & Spy, by Rebecca Stead. Wendy Lamb Books, 2012.
Max Finder Mystery: Collected Casebook, Volume 1, by Liam O’Donnell. Owlkids Books, 2010.
Room One: A Mystery or Two, by Andrew Clements. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008.
Nonfiction (6) Case Closed? Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science, by Susan Hughes. Kids Can Press, 2010.
Crime Busting and Detection (Science Solves It!), by Helene Boudreau. Crabtree Publishing, 2008.
Secret Agent Y.O.U.: The Official Guide to Secret Codes, Disguises, Surveillance, and More, by Helaine Becker. Owlkids Books, 2006.
You Write It: Mystery, by John Hamilton. ABDO & Daughters, 2009.
Nonprint Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen, directed by Wil Shriner. New Line Home Video, 2006. (DVD feature film)
Websites MysteryNet’s “Kids Mysteries,” http://kids.mysterynet.com.
Scholastic’s “Writing with Writers” Mystery page, http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mystery/ publish.asp
Conclusion
Return to the Main Webquest.
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 5
Now it is time to focus on developing ideas for your original mystery story.
I. Visit the following site. The site is addressed to teachers, but it is easy to follow if you pretend it is written to you instead! www.fictionteachers.com/fictionclass/mystery.html.
A. Work through steps 1–6 on the site, making notes by each number below. You may choose other settings, details to describe, core mysteries, etc., but use the steps to guide your thoughts.
1. _____________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________
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B. Go back through your notes above and underline the ideas you like best to use in your story.
II. Based on your ideas so far, develop your story further by mapping it out using the four graphic organizers at www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/storymap. You will need to sign in with a title (“Mystery” is fine) and your name (first name only). Click on each organizer in turn. Complete it and print it.
III. Prepare a plot outline of your story.
A. Visit these sites to review proper outline format: http://mathandreadinghelp.org/ elementary_homework_how_to_write_an_outline.html.
B. Print two copies of the Outline form (last two pages of this document). Complete one as a draft, following these instructions:
1. Write your name at the top of both copies.
2. Title: Write the working title of your story.
3. “Main Topic I” is “The Beginning” of your story.
4. “Main Topic II” is “The Middle.”
5. “Main Topic III” is “The Conclusion.”
6. Under each main Roman numeral, list key plot points in A, B, and C, and details about each on the numbered lines.
IV. By now, you should have a good idea of how your story unfolds. Using your graphic organizers and outline, write a three- to four-paragraph summary of the story, introducing the characters, setting, and tone as well as summarizing the plot.
Print your completed Part 2 research guide and the Peer Editing Sheet. Return to the Main Webquest. Continue your task with process step 7.
Name:
A. Read the interview with Van Draanen at www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet/bookzone/ van_draanen.htm.
1. Where does Van Draanen live? ________________________________________
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II. The Subgenre: “Kid Detective” Stories (a subset of amateur detective stories)
A. Visit http://voices.yahoo.com/top-seven-mystery-novel-sub-genres-216486.html?cat=4. Read the description of amateur detective mysteries. Then visit www.nytimes. com/2012/05/13/books/review/the-newest-crop-of-sleuths-for-kids.html?_r=1& and read the first paragraph. Finally, read the short article “Kid Detective” at http:// tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KidDetective.
Wendelin Van Draanen, Kid Detective Stories
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 9
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III. Activity: Crack the Code
A. Visit www.randomhouse.com/kids/vandraanen/sammykeyes/code.html. Open http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Keyes in another window.
1. Using the Wikipedia entry and your prior knowledge, crack the code and key in each secret word. When you get it right, that left-hand bar will turn green and read “Unlocked.”
2. You do not need to download the story, but show your teacher the page with the bars unlocked when you complete the exercise.
3. Print out the Mystery Elements Writing Guide to refer to as you develop your story ideas. Take it with you to your group sessions.
Print your completed guide on Wendelin Van Draanen and return to the Main Webquest. Continue your task with process step 5.
Name:
A. Read the entry on Berlin at www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2179500013.html, through “Sidelights.”
1. Where does Berlin live? _____________________________________________
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A. Read Berlin’s “Author Guest Post” comments, describing his ideas about puzzle mysteries, at http://eatingyabooks-bookbattle.blogspot.com/2011/11/20112012- feature-book-of-week-9-potato.html and the entry for “Puzzle-Based” at www.yalsa. ala.org/thehub/2012/02/24/a-mystery-for-every-reader.
Eric Berlin, Puzzle-Based Mysteries
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III. Activity: Solve a Puzzle
A. Visit www.winstonbreen.com/download_puzzle.html. Answer the question about how you got a copy of The Puzzling World of Winston Breen, and click on “Download the puzzle set.”
1. Using a copy of the book, find a puzzle you would like to solve. Print just the page from the website that contains that puzzle, and solve it.
2. Turn in the solved puzzle with your other paperwork at the end of the webquest.
3. Print out the Mystery Elements Writing Guide to refer to as you develop your story ideas. Take it with you to your group sessions.
Print your completed guide on Eric Berlin and return to the Main Webquest. Continue your task with process step 5.
Name:
A. Read the short biography of Butler at http://www.amazon.com/Dori-Hillestad- Butler/e/B001HMMEHM?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_82%3AB001HMMEHM%2Cp_n_ feature_browse-bin%3A2656020011.
1. Where does Butler live? ______________________________________________
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B. Visit www.amazon.com/The-Buddy-Files-Case-Lost/dp/0807509329.
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A. Read the paragraph about detective animals at http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki. php/Main/DetectiveAnimal and the furry sleuth entry at www.cuebon.com/ewriters/ Msubgenres.html.
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August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 13
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A. Visit www.mcbookwords.com/authorvisits/butler/buddy-files-teaching-guide- april-20101.pdf. Scroll down to the last page.
1. Click on Buddy’s e-mail address and send him a message. Tell him a little about this webquest and the furry sleuth mystery story you are planning.
2. Copy and print your e-mail message to turn in with your other paperwork.
3. Print out the Mystery Elements Writing Guide to refer to as you develop your story ideas. Take it with you to your group sessions.
Print your completed guide on Dori Hillestad Butler and return to the Main Webquest. Continue your task with process step 5.
Name:
A. Read the short biography of Hiaasen at www.randomhouse.com/kids/hiaasen/ author.php and the first four questions and answers at www.carlhiaasen.com/ faq/faq-hoot.shtml.
1. Where does Hiaasen live? ____________________________________________
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B. Visit www.randomhousekids.com/authors-illustrators/detail/79#.UZzfW4go5Hg and http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Hoot/Hoot_Book_Summary_Notes04.html (scroll down to the “Honors and Awards” section).
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A. Read the paragraph about ecological mysteries at http://bloomingtonecocriticism. blogspot.com/2009/02/interesting-genre-eco-mystery-where.html and the paragraph “What Is an Eco-Mystery?” at www.esiponline.org/classroom/foundations/writing/ ecomysteries.html.
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A. Visit http://sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/endangered_animals/ endangered_game.htm.
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3. Print out the Mystery Elements Writing Guide to refer to as you develop your story ideas. Take it with you to your group sessions.
Print your completed guide on Carl Hiaasen and return to the Main Webquest. Continue your task with process step 5.
Author’s name:
Peer editor’s name: Date:
It’s time for you to play detective with your partner’s story. Read the story through once, checking off the mystery elements on the left as you go. Then read the story a second time and record the evidence (examples) of these elements on the right. Once you are done, brainstorm with your partner to figure out how he or she could make the story better.
Adapted from the WRITING RUBRIC (http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson327/rubric.pdf) from the ReadWriteThink lesson “Thundering Tall Tales: Using Read-Aloud as a Springboard to Writing” (http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=327).
Copyright 2005 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink materials may be reproduced for educational purposes.
Mystery Elements
Place a check in the box next to each characteristic as you locate it
Evidence
CHARACTERS: Detective(s) Witness(es) Suspect(s)
List the characters in the story and what their roles are:
SETTING: Where the story takes place
List the ways the writer describes the setting(s):
PLOT: Action that keeps the reader searching to solve the mystery
Explain what is happening / the mystery that you are trying to solve:
CLUES: Hints that help the reader and detective solve the mystery
Identify the clues given in the story:
DISTRACTIONS: Clues that throw the reader off of the trail
Name any clues that threw you off the trail:
CONCLUSION: The solution to the mystery
Summarize the ending:
Author’s name:
Peer editor’s name: Date:
It’s time for you to play detective with your partner’s story. Read the story through once, checking off the mystery elements on the left as you go. Then read the story a second time and record the evidence (examples) of these elements on the right. Once you are done, brainstorm with your partner to figure out how he or she could make the story better.
Adapted from the WRITING RUBRIC (http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson327/rubric.pdf) from the ReadWriteThink lesson “Thundering Tall Tales: Using Read-Aloud as a Springboard to Writing” (http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=327).
Copyright 2005 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink materials may be reproduced for educational purposes.
Mystery Elements
Place a check in the box next to each characteristic as you locate it
Evidence
CHARACTERS: Detective(s) Witness(es) Suspect(s)
List the characters in the story and what their roles are:
SETTING: Where the story takes place
List the ways the writer describes the setting(s):
PLOT: Action that keeps the reader searching to solve the mystery
Explain what is happening / the mystery that you are trying to solve:
CLUES: Hints that help the reader and detective solve the mystery
Identify the clues given in the story:
DISTRACTIONS: Clues that throw the reader off of the trail
Name any clues that threw you off the trail:
CONCLUSION: The solution to the mystery
Summarize the ending:
Return to your chosen author: Wendelin Van Draanen, Eric Berlin, Dori Hillestad Butler, or
Carl Hiaasen or return to the Main Webquest.
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 17
MYSTERY ELEMENTS WRITING GUIDE
Copyright 2005 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink materials may be reproduced for educational purposes.
The following questions will help you fill in your MYSTERY GRAPHIC ORGANIZER.
Characters
Setting
Plot
Clues
Distractions
Structure
• Who will the characters be? Who are the suspects? Who is trying to solve the mystery?
• What do the characters look like?
• What do the characters do? What are their motives?
• Who has an alibi? Who doesn’t?
• Where will the mystery take place?
• What is the problem, crime, or puzzle of the mystery? Where will it be introduced?
• What evidence will the investigator discover?
• How is the mystery solved?
• What are the clues to help the sleuth and reader solve the mystery?
• For each event, is there a clue?
• Do the clues help the reader predict the solution?
• What things will lead the investigator off the path?
• Do we learn about the mystery in the introduction? What characters do we meet here?
• What happens in the middle of the story? What clues are shared with the reader and the investigator?
• Does the conclusion reveal the answer to the mystery?
Mystery Elements Writing Guide
Return to your chosen author: Wendelin Van Draanen, Eric Berlin, Dori Hillestad Butler, or
Carl Hiaasen or return to the Main Webquest.
August/September Webquest 2013 • LibrarySparks • 18
Outline Name:
B. _____________________________________________________________
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
C. _____________________________________________________________
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
B. _____________________________________________________________
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
C. _____________________________________________________________
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
Continue with Part 2 or return to your chosen author: Wendelin Van Draanen, Eric Berlin, Dori Hillestad Butler, or Carl Hiaasen or return to the Main Webquest.
Part 2 No: