Author Lois Duncan was born on this date in 1934.
Event Description
Lois Duncan is a popular author of young adult mysteries. Duncan received the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award, jointly sponsored by the School Library Journal and the Young Adult Library Services Association, for her lifetime contributions to the field of young adult literature.
Classroom Activity
Share with students some of the mysteries from Ken Weber's Five Minute Mysteries series and test their sleuthing abilities. After students have had a chance to solve a handful of mysteries (the solutions are in the back of the books), ask them to brainstorm the critical attributes of a good mystery. What elements do mysteries share? What do authors need to do to write a compelling mystery for readers?
Once the class has completed this part of the activity, place them in small groups and ask them to compose some short mysteries themselves. They can plan their stories using the interactive Mystery Cube. Groups can then exchange and attempt to solve one another's mysteries. The mysteries from each group can also be compiled and shared with other classes as well.
Websites
Duncan's homepage is periodically updated with information about her life, her family, and her books. Teacher Guides, designed by Duncan, are also included for each of her books.
In this interview, Duncan discusses her fiction and nonfiction and her influences.
MysteryNet's Kids Mysteries features mysteries to solve, scary stories, and magic tricks for kids.
This online workshop helps students learn to write original mysteries. Included are writing tips, challenges designed to help students develop skills, and detailed revision guidelines.