Teen Lit: Mysteries Program
I mentioned that I might post my final projects, so if anyone wanted to skim through and see if they were interested in any books they could. So I will.
This is my Teen Lit final project (the one I was bitching about the other day.) The first section is a description of the program itself-- audience, objectives, publicity, and evaluation. The second is an annotated materials list-- which is probably what most of you will be more interested in.
Without further ado!
Mystery and Murder: A Mystery Genre Program for a Public Library
Introduction
The Mystery and Murder program is a public library program intended for young adults of high school age. It will use fiction and non-fiction books, and a variety of multimedia materials-- including videos, games and websites-- to introduce teens to the hallmarks of the mystery genre and the types and personalities they will find in some of the best known works. Most teens are familiar with the general basics of mysteries, but this program aims to provide them with a deeper understanding of the types of characters usually found in mystery books and how the genre is constructed.
Audience
The program audience is a mixed group of high school age students (from 13-17). Most of the program will take place in the Young Adult center area of the Main Branch of the San Francisco Public library. It will take place over the period of a month and a half, with event occurring once a week on Sunday afternoon from 12pm to 4pm. Each event will cater to a different type of material or aspect of the genre, although each will be followed by a discussion group for both the material used in the event and a scavenger hunt taking place throughout the entire week.
Teens will be asked to sign up ahead of time for the events-- although those who haven't signed up will be welcome to show up for the presentation, discussions and movie nights, a major part of the program will be a murder mystery/scavenger hunt (“hosted” by some of the detectives the participants will encounter during the program, and “meeting” others) which will have both online and in-person components, and those who want to participate will be required to sign up. Posters and brochures advertising the program, as well as the library website and MySpace will have the email address that the teens can use to sign up, and the librarian will have paper forms as well. The amount of people at the event will be limited by the size of the space only. At the librarian's discretion, an attendee might be turned away, although one hopes that won't occur. If the group is too unwieldy for a discussion session, it can be broken down into more manageable sections. The events will be split up into three movies nights paired with discussion sessions and books, one event night with a discussion session, one book group, and an interview/presentation with an author.
Events will not be repeated, as each event will also be a part of the scavenger hunt and contain clues about the mystery. The events can be considered stand-alone events on the same theme, but certain activities will run a consistent thread throughout the month. Also, teens who sign up will be informed that younger children are strongly discouraged because of the subject matter-- although methods of death are not really part of the discussion, murder will obviously be a major topic.
Objectives
As mentioned in the earlier section, the program's goals will be to provide the participants with a better understanding of the best known characters and writers of the genre as well as a general grasp of the structure of a mystery story. By the end of the program, the participants will have knowledge of and experience with detective novels, true crime stories, and mysteries involving amateur sleuths. They will have the chance to speak with a mystery author who also writes young adult novels and ask questions. They'll have a chance to explore the types of mysteries and detectives which appeal to them and share those with others. And they'll be able to do all that while enjoying themselves and solving a murder mystery of their own.
By providing materials, books, games and movies to engage them, it is the librarians hope that the teens will be active participants in this learning. The objective should be obvious to both teens and staff (and others helping to organize the program) by the range of materials available and the different events being offered.
Publicity
The publicity for the program will begin roughly a month before the program itself begins. The librarian will create a display wall of mystery-specific items (and items that may be clues for the scavenger hunt later on), as well as put up flyers, not only in the library itself but nearby schools. English teachers on public and private schools in the area will be asked to distribute flyers and also suggest the program to teens they think might be particularly interested in the genre or activities. On the library teen webspace, and MySpace, there will be an advertisement for the program, with the email address to sign-up.
The librarian will speak with the library's TAG and other teen volunteers and explain the program and its purpose. Teens who are interested will be asked to talk to friends they think might also be interested and who might not be library regulars, choose books to promote during the month before the program and during the program itself, and to create advertisements to be placed in areas where teens congregate. Because of their unique insights, the librarian will discuss with them other feasible methods of outreach that haven't been considered.
Evaluation
After each event has concluded, there will be paper evaluations for the attendees to fill out and a box to place them in as they leave-each event will have a little extra time built in at the back end to remind the teens to fill out a survey and give them time to do so. At the end of the month of the program, a link to a more comprehensive survey about all events and the scavenger hunt will be sent out via email to all the program participants, with a request to fill out the anonymous online survey. The surveys will be read over by the staff and considered possible improvements for other programs or when and if the program is repeated. The interest a program like this encourages cannot always be measured by statistics, however, the staff will also take statistics (if they are not already doing so) the month before the program through the month after and the results will be considered as part of the evaluation.
Resources
Human Resources
For this program, I would invite a guest speaker for one of the six events. Although many young adult writers who write mysteries are better known for writing other genre, the guest speaker will certainly be someone that teens will know who has written both mysteries and YA novels, or YA mysteries. The speaker will be asked to introduce him or herself and his/her works, and read from one of his/her mystery books. This will give the library opportunity to promote the author’s mystery books and give the teens a chance to talk to someone who knows the genre and has written it, and offer them a depth of experience that they would not get through just the text.
Fiction Resources
Raskin, E (1997). The westing game. New York: Puffin. ISBN 0140386645
Sixteen people from all walks of life converge in a new housing development behind the old Westing House. But as it turns out, they’re all the heirs to the Westing house’s once-inhabitant. In order to inherit, they’re given clues to a puzzle that they must solve-a task made more difficult by the way they’re paired up, and the growing suspicion that Westing was murdered. Raskin showcases sparkling wit, and her main character, Tabitha-Ruth “Turtle” Wexler, is finely tuned into the mysteries of her universe.
This book is one of the first introductions to setting up stories and plot twists, and a group discussion of how Raskin built up suspense and clued readers into what was really happening would not be amiss. Turtle is the first introduction of the program into the character of the ‘amateur detective’, a character who plays a large part in the genre-similarly, although Raskin’s cast of characters isn’t always well-rounded, they provide a good survey of the type of foils who often appear in detective novels.
The way the Westing puzzle is set up is a good way to show the participants how the scavenger hunt is going to be set up.
Review Source:
Dorsey, M. A. (1978). The westing game (book review). School Library Journal, 24 (8). 87-88
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=5681544&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Doyle, A.C. (2003). The adventures of Sherlock Holmes. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439574280
An introduction to one of the best known detectives of all time. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a book of the first short stories featuring Conan Doyle’s famous detective. The fact that they are short stories allows teens to find a story that appeals to them and discover the Great detective on their own. Although the stories were not intentionally written with a young adult audience in mind, Scholastic put out this edition (with a foreword by well-known YA author, Eoin Colfer) for a reading level of youths age 9-17.
Any program setting out to get teens familiar and comfortable with the detective tropes must introduce Sherlock Holmes early on. Conan Doyle’s stories started the mystery genre as we know it, and Holmes’ attitude and forensics can be the start of an event examining forensic evidence. He also is one of the perfect tour guides for the murder mystery the participants will play through, being familiar in a general way to everyone.
Review Source:
Rogers, M. (1993). Book reviews: Classic returns. Library Journal, 118 (21). 181
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9312287774&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Pullman, P. (1988). The ruby in the smoke. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0758748353
Following up on Sherlock Holmes’ Victorian detective, Pullman offers another sort of Victorian detective. Although Sally is nowhere near as brilliant as Sherlock, she synthesizes the amateur detective in Holmes’ world beautifully. Pullman’s writing pulls the reader, and the constant twists, turns, and murders make this one of the best thriller mysteries for teens. Pullman’s flair for character development is showcased at its best here, as Sally meets new friends and enemies, and the reader will try to figure out who will actually survive until the end of the novel.
This book is meant to supplement other, similar novels during group discussions. Sally is a good example of the plucky amateur detective that we see elsewhere, and she provides a more current imagining of Holmes’ Victorian era. She also offers one of the goriest novels being used as a resource-which should help keep attention as well as help with discussions about how murder is used in mystery novels. In all these case, Sally provides an interesting resource to provide deeper understanding. She and the book can be brought in to almost any discussion group to offer alternate interpretations of material.
Review Source:
Jones, T. (1987). The ruby in the smoke (book review). School Library Journal, 33(8). 112
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=15396718&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Horowitz, A. (2004). The falcon's malteser. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399241531
A parody of Dashiell Hammett’s famous novel “The Maltese Falcon”, Horowitz is at his best here, providing witty retorts and offering up terrible puns. Narrated by Nick Diamond, the younger half of the Diamond Detective Agency, the novel’s plot follows a roughly similar plot to Hammett’s famous story, when Nick is hired to protect a box of Malteser chocolates. The midget is found dead soon after and Nick’s brother, Tim, is arrested as the primary suspect in the murder. Nick has to solve the mystery quickly and get his brother out of jail.
Although aimed at the younger end of our age group, at a reading level for 8-14 year olds, Horowitz’s novel about a pair of brothers running a detective agency is probably the best introduction of the noir novels without offering teens some not-always-teen-friendly noir fiction. The book also provides what might be some much needed humor. Detective fiction is very easily and very often parodied, and pairing up The Falcon’s Malteser with other parody mysteries, like the movie Murder by Death, will provide for interesting discussion. The puns in the novel are easy set-ups for clues used in the scavenger hunt-puns and anagrams are often clues in murder mysteries, and using the Falcon’s Malteser as an introduction, they can be used very easily in the hands-on scavenger hunt section of the program.
Review Source:
Weisman, K. (2004). The falcon's malteser: A Diamond Brothers mystery (Book). Booklist, 101(2). 245.
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=14623545&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Haddon, M. (2003) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. New York: Doubleday. ISBN 0385509456
Possibly one of the oddest mystery novels for teens, Haddon has written an autistic antagonist who seems totally detached from his emotions and from the world around him. Christopher Boone, the main character, has trouble understanding human society. But he likes dogs. Which is why it comes as a shock to him when he finds his neighbor’s poodle impaled by a rake, and himself accused of the crime.
While the book is often used to promote acceptance and awareness of the autistic spectrum, and the run-on sentences and structure are reminiscent of the mental state of an autistic person, it is still a mystery novel. The underlying structure of the novel is similar to a Sherlock Holmes story, using a protagonist who, while similar in mental acuity to Holmes, has none of Holmes’ grounding. Being so similar and so different at the same time make The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time a very good book to talk about the way detectives can be used either in a traditional sense or in a totally untraditional sense.
Review Source:
McCay, M. (2004). The curious incident of the dog in the night-time (book). Booklist, 100(9/10). 890
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=12106850&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Rucka, G., & Lark, M. (2004). Gotham central: In the line of duty. New York: DC Comics. ISBN 1415530610
Rucka’s first collected volume of this gritty detective comic is an interesting combination of detective story, cop drama, and costumes superheroes. While Batman does appear from time to time, the real meat of the storyline focuses on the policemen of Gotham, who deal caped supervillains in a very CSI-like manner. Rucka’s storylines are dramatic and strong, offering sympathetic characters and crime procedural, even when the occasional masked villain shows up.
While Gotham Central may appear to be an odd addition in a program like this, not only does the format provide some needed variety, but it also adds some variety to the type of detectives, the rest of the book depict. While Professional and Amateur sleuths are common, one of the other hallmarks of the mystery genre is the crime procedural. The way Rucka mixes forensics and supervillainy allows for this book’s introduction during an event exploring forensics, and also offers up some contrast between the way police work in a mystery novel and the way detectives handle their cases.
Review Source:
Raiteri, S. (2004). Gotham central: In the line of duty (book). Library Journal, 129(18). 64-65
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=14926931&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Non-Fiction Resources
Huang, J. & Lugar, A. (2006). Mystery muses: 100 classics that inspire today's mystery writers. Carmel, IN: Crum Creek Press. ISBN 096258049X
Huang and Lugar have compiled a wonderful book of short essays from current mystery authors about the books and stories that inspired them. The articles range in tone from vibrantly funny to thoughtful to critical, but all of them are interesting, intelligent and well-written. Some of the stories mentioned are ones that teens will have heard before, and some they won’t, but the essays, one and all, inspire the reader to go out and take a look at their source.
In Young Adult Literature and Multimedia: A Quick Guide, Loertscher notes this title as a “Touchstone Title” in non-fiction mystery. In fact, this is the only non-fiction mystery book he suggests. This is because, while not written with a specifically YA audience in mind, the authors in the book provide a broad ranging selection of tones and types of mystery stories. They talk about how mysteries inspired them, and their excitement is well-nigh infectious. This is the book to read before bringing in the speaker, because it will provide the participants with questions to ask, and topics to consider when talking to an author about how and what he writes.
Review Source:
(2006). Mystery notes. Publishers Weekly, 253(43). 41
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=23006569&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Rehak, M (2005). Girl sleuth: Nancy Drew and the women who created her. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0151010412
Nancy Drew was one of the first plucky amateur sleuths-of whom this program has seen a lot. Rehak’s book is as much a mystery about Nancy Drew’s authors, as it is a serious social history. Who really wrote Nancy Drew? What did Nancy Drew really mean to the people who wrote her? In this tightly written, intelligent book for both teens and adults, Rehak lays bare the curious story of Nancy Drew.
This book offers up yet another example of the amateur sleuth as well as offering a slightly different type of detective-Rehak herself, who uncovers the story of “Carolyn Keene”, the fictitious author of the Nancy Drew series. This book can expand discussions on sleuths and their authors, as well as offering up a whole new look on the discussion topic of “what is a mystery?”
Review Source:
Bercher, P. (2006). Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her. [Review]. School Library Journal, 52(4). 171.
Persistent URL:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=20404914&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Video Resources
Moore, R. (Director), Simon, N. (Writer). (1976). Murder by death. [Motion Picture]. Burbank, CA: Columbia Tristar Home Video
This 1976 film is possibly one of the best films to introduce some of the older hallmark characters. Murder by Death is a screwball comedy that has aged gracefully. It’s the story of an improbable murder mystery, where five characters (all parodies of a famous detective) are invited to dinner at a mansion. Their host offers them a million dollars to solve a murder than hasn’t occurred yet-of course within the course of the evening, their host is, obligingly, murdered, and the oddball cast of characters scrambles to figure out whodunit.
This movie, while not aimed solely at a teenage audience, has a PG rating and is suitable for the age group, as well as having a subject matter that is both funny and appropriate. Paired with the Maltese Falcon parody novel noted earlier, this movie makes for an entertaining movie night as well as a rousing and cheerful discussion of comedy, murder mysteries, and detective stereotypes.
Review Source:
(1976). Murder by death [review]. Variety.
Persistent URL:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117793318.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0
Lynn, J. (Director), Landis, J. (Writer), Lynn, J. (Writer). (1985). Clue. [Motion Picture]. Hollywood, CA: Paramount Home Video
The movie Clue, based off the board game by the same name is another slapstick comedy poking fun at the strange quirks of the detective genre. Possibly the only movie to have had three different endings aired in theaters, Clue never bothers to take itself seriously. It is one of the classic murder comedies.
Considering that during the program, the board game itself will be offered, inviting the teens for a final movie night to watch Clue and play the game before setting up their own “parlor scene” for them to discuss the outcome of their own personal murder mystery and decide once and for all whodunit. Clue makes a perfect backdrop for the end of the program, because it offers a last, fun take on murder mystery.
Review Source:
(1985). Clue [Review]. Time, 126. 79.
Persistent URL:
http://0-find.galegroup.com.mill1.sjlibrary.org:80/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=ITOF&docId=A4069316&userGroupName=csusj&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale
Johnson, R. (Writer and Director). (2006). Brick. [Motion Picture]. Universal City, CA: Focus Features
Brick is a brilliant noir movie about Brendan Frye, a teenager in wastelands of suburban California who becomes consumed with finding the person who murdered his ex-girlfriend. Brendon’s journey takes him through the seedy underbelly of his school, where who you eat lunch with matters, and things are darker than they first appear. The noir patter runs fast and heavy and the patterns of the words will have the audience moving in that rhythm, for days, as any good noir piece should.
This material would not be used for a movie night, but it would be recommended, as part of the program, to the older teens, who would be encouraged to watch it on their own and discuss it during the discussion group having to do with types of detectives. Although it is written about and for teens, the murder and drugs which feature heavily in the plot earned it an R rating, making it unsuitable for a library showing.
Review Source:
Mooallem, S. (2006). Brick. (Movie Review). Interview, 36(2). 144
Persistent URL:
http://0-find.galegroup.com.mill1.sjlibrary.org:80/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=ITOF&docId=A145634963&userGroupName=csusj&version=1.0&searchType=BasicSearchForm&source=gale
Lumet, S. (Director), Dehn, P. (Writer). (1974). Murder on the Orient Express. [Motion Picture]. Hollywood, CA: Paramount
An incredible screen adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s best known stories, Murder on the Orient Express showcases on of the best known detectives aside from Sherlock Holmes. Hercule Poirot boards the Orient Express, and is stopped by another passenger with a request for protection-Poirot refuses, to find the next day that the passenger has been murdered. The story, one of Christie’s best, is intricate and the cast of characters brilliant.
The film, like the story, was not written for teens in mind, but it doesn’t have to be. At a PG rating, the content matter is suitable for them, and the way the story twists and turns will give their minds a work-out trying to stay one step ahead of Poirot. This film will be paired with the discussion session regarding the types of detectives that exist, and how and why they are treated in particular ways depending on the type of plot and genre.
Games
Cluedo (Clue). Parker Brothers.
One of the best known games, and also one of the only games about a mystery, Clue is fun for all ages, not just teens, but teens should already know the game and enjoy playing it. Paired with the movie, playing the game should provide a relaxing end to the program, where teens can play board games, talk about what they’ve learned, with the event and program ending in a final solving of the program’s own murder mystery.
Websites
(2007). MysteryNet.Com. Retrieved November 28, 2007 from: http://www.mysterynet.com/
A vibrant, interactive website with something for everyone. They offer mysteries of all stripes, as well as chatrooms to talk to other mystery enthusiasts, mystery games, and other resources. Information on the great detectives as well as lesser known ones, packaged in with the mystery stories offers a broad spectrum of information beyond what reading the program’s few books and watching a handful of movies can provide. The site also offers teens a mystery timeline of all the great detectives and writers as well as profiles about how some well-known TV shows fit into the mystery genre.
Out of the Past. (2007) Investigating Film Noir. Retrieved November 28, 2007 from: http://outofthepast.libsyn.com/
One of the best and only podcasts focusing on film noir. Although the program doesn’t go deeply into noir, some teens might be interested in learning about how noir films are constructed and how they fit into the detective mythos. This podcast provides that, and more, going in depth and speaking with producers and directors about how they craft films from mystery novels teens might want to read.
References
(2006). TeenReads.com. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Ultimate Teen Reading List Web site: http://www.teenreads.com/features/2006-reading-list.asp
Teen Reads is one of the best websites to find reviews for teens of books. I used the site to find interesting mystery books that I considered using for this program.
Brenner, R (2004). No Flying, No Tights. Retrieved November 29, 2007, from The Usual Suspects Web site: http://www.noflyingnotights.com/usual.html
I wanted to have at least one non-book format offering, and I knew that there were some graphic novels that would fit that description. No Flying, No Tights is a teen review resource and its reviews are neatly categorized for use finding the correct genre.
Harlann, M.A., Loertscher, D.V., & McElmeel, S.L. (2007). Young adult literature and multimedia: a quick guide (3rd ed.). Salt Lake City: Hi Willow Research & Publishing.
I started off with Loertscher’s book to pick up suggestions about where to start looking, and what books might be suitable for teens. His article on mysteries for teens was a little garbled and mixed in with Supernatural and Thriller genres, but his list of Touchstone Titles was a useful starting point.
Mystery Readers International, (2007). Mystery Readers International and Mystery Readers Journal. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Mystery Readers International's Macavity Awards Web site: http://www.mysteryreaders.org/macavity.html
The Mystery Readers Macavity Awards offered some good options, although it is geared towards adults. I mostly used it to look for a few interesting nonfiction titles, since I was having trouble finding them elsewhere.
Mystery Writers of America, (2007). The Edgar Award Nominees. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from The Edgar Awards Web site: http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html
Another useful booklist, since the Edgars have a category for young adult mystery fiction. I skimmed their list looking for good books to include.
This is my Teen Lit final project (the one I was bitching about the other day.) The first section is a description of the program itself-- audience, objectives, publicity, and evaluation. The second is an annotated materials list-- which is probably what most of you will be more interested in.
Without further ado!
Mystery and Murder: A Mystery Genre Program for a Public Library
Introduction
The Mystery and Murder program is a public library program intended for young adults of high school age. It will use fiction and non-fiction books, and a variety of multimedia materials-- including videos, games and websites-- to introduce teens to the hallmarks of the mystery genre and the types and personalities they will find in some of the best known works. Most teens are familiar with the general basics of mysteries, but this program aims to provide them with a deeper understanding of the types of characters usually found in mystery books and how the genre is constructed.
Audience
The program audience is a mixed group of high school age students (from 13-17). Most of the program will take place in the Young Adult center area of the Main Branch of the San Francisco Public library. It will take place over the period of a month and a half, with event occurring once a week on Sunday afternoon from 12pm to 4pm. Each event will cater to a different type of material or aspect of the genre, although each will be followed by a discussion group for both the material used in the event and a scavenger hunt taking place throughout the entire week.
Teens will be asked to sign up ahead of time for the events-- although those who haven't signed up will be welcome to show up for the presentation, discussions and movie nights, a major part of the program will be a murder mystery/scavenger hunt (“hosted” by some of the detectives the participants will encounter during the program, and “meeting” others) which will have both online and in-person components, and those who want to participate will be required to sign up. Posters and brochures advertising the program, as well as the library website and MySpace will have the email address that the teens can use to sign up, and the librarian will have paper forms as well. The amount of people at the event will be limited by the size of the space only. At the librarian's discretion, an attendee might be turned away, although one hopes that won't occur. If the group is too unwieldy for a discussion session, it can be broken down into more manageable sections. The events will be split up into three movies nights paired with discussion sessions and books, one event night with a discussion session, one book group, and an interview/presentation with an author.
Events will not be repeated, as each event will also be a part of the scavenger hunt and contain clues about the mystery. The events can be considered stand-alone events on the same theme, but certain activities will run a consistent thread throughout the month. Also, teens who sign up will be informed that younger children are strongly discouraged because of the subject matter-- although methods of death are not really part of the discussion, murder will obviously be a major topic.
Objectives
As mentioned in the earlier section, the program's goals will be to provide the participants with a better understanding of the best known characters and writers of the genre as well as a general grasp of the structure of a mystery story. By the end of the program, the participants will have knowledge of and experience with detective novels, true crime stories, and mysteries involving amateur sleuths. They will have the chance to speak with a mystery author who also writes young adult novels and ask questions. They'll have a chance to explore the types of mysteries and detectives which appeal to them and share those with others. And they'll be able to do all that while enjoying themselves and solving a murder mystery of their own.
By providing materials, books, games and movies to engage them, it is the librarians hope that the teens will be active participants in this learning. The objective should be obvious to both teens and staff (and others helping to organize the program) by the range of materials available and the different events being offered.
Publicity
The publicity for the program will begin roughly a month before the program itself begins. The librarian will create a display wall of mystery-specific items (and items that may be clues for the scavenger hunt later on), as well as put up flyers, not only in the library itself but nearby schools. English teachers on public and private schools in the area will be asked to distribute flyers and also suggest the program to teens they think might be particularly interested in the genre or activities. On the library teen webspace, and MySpace, there will be an advertisement for the program, with the email address to sign-up.
The librarian will speak with the library's TAG and other teen volunteers and explain the program and its purpose. Teens who are interested will be asked to talk to friends they think might also be interested and who might not be library regulars, choose books to promote during the month before the program and during the program itself, and to create advertisements to be placed in areas where teens congregate. Because of their unique insights, the librarian will discuss with them other feasible methods of outreach that haven't been considered.
Evaluation
After each event has concluded, there will be paper evaluations for the attendees to fill out and a box to place them in as they leave-each event will have a little extra time built in at the back end to remind the teens to fill out a survey and give them time to do so. At the end of the month of the program, a link to a more comprehensive survey about all events and the scavenger hunt will be sent out via email to all the program participants, with a request to fill out the anonymous online survey. The surveys will be read over by the staff and considered possible improvements for other programs or when and if the program is repeated. The interest a program like this encourages cannot always be measured by statistics, however, the staff will also take statistics (if they are not already doing so) the month before the program through the month after and the results will be considered as part of the evaluation.
Resources
Human Resources
For this program, I would invite a guest speaker for one of the six events. Although many young adult writers who write mysteries are better known for writing other genre, the guest speaker will certainly be someone that teens will know who has written both mysteries and YA novels, or YA mysteries. The speaker will be asked to introduce him or herself and his/her works, and read from one of his/her mystery books. This will give the library opportunity to promote the author’s mystery books and give the teens a chance to talk to someone who knows the genre and has written it, and offer them a depth of experience that they would not get through just the text.
Fiction Resources
Raskin, E (1997). The westing game. New York: Puffin. ISBN 0140386645
Sixteen people from all walks of life converge in a new housing development behind the old Westing House. But as it turns out, they’re all the heirs to the Westing house’s once-inhabitant. In order to inherit, they’re given clues to a puzzle that they must solve-a task made more difficult by the way they’re paired up, and the growing suspicion that Westing was murdered. Raskin showcases sparkling wit, and her main character, Tabitha-Ruth “Turtle” Wexler, is finely tuned into the mysteries of her universe.
This book is one of the first introductions to setting up stories and plot twists, and a group discussion of how Raskin built up suspense and clued readers into what was really happening would not be amiss. Turtle is the first introduction of the program into the character of the ‘amateur detective’, a character who plays a large part in the genre-similarly, although Raskin’s cast of characters isn’t always well-rounded, they provide a good survey of the type of foils who often appear in detective novels.
The way the Westing puzzle is set up is a good way to show the participants how the scavenger hunt is going to be set up.
Review Source:
Dorsey, M. A. (1978). The westing game (book review). School Library Journal, 24 (8). 87-88
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Doyle, A.C. (2003). The adventures of Sherlock Holmes. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439574280
An introduction to one of the best known detectives of all time. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a book of the first short stories featuring Conan Doyle’s famous detective. The fact that they are short stories allows teens to find a story that appeals to them and discover the Great detective on their own. Although the stories were not intentionally written with a young adult audience in mind, Scholastic put out this edition (with a foreword by well-known YA author, Eoin Colfer) for a reading level of youths age 9-17.
Any program setting out to get teens familiar and comfortable with the detective tropes must introduce Sherlock Holmes early on. Conan Doyle’s stories started the mystery genre as we know it, and Holmes’ attitude and forensics can be the start of an event examining forensic evidence. He also is one of the perfect tour guides for the murder mystery the participants will play through, being familiar in a general way to everyone.
Review Source:
Rogers, M. (1993). Book reviews: Classic returns. Library Journal, 118 (21). 181
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Pullman, P. (1988). The ruby in the smoke. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0758748353
Following up on Sherlock Holmes’ Victorian detective, Pullman offers another sort of Victorian detective. Although Sally is nowhere near as brilliant as Sherlock, she synthesizes the amateur detective in Holmes’ world beautifully. Pullman’s writing pulls the reader, and the constant twists, turns, and murders make this one of the best thriller mysteries for teens. Pullman’s flair for character development is showcased at its best here, as Sally meets new friends and enemies, and the reader will try to figure out who will actually survive until the end of the novel.
This book is meant to supplement other, similar novels during group discussions. Sally is a good example of the plucky amateur detective that we see elsewhere, and she provides a more current imagining of Holmes’ Victorian era. She also offers one of the goriest novels being used as a resource-which should help keep attention as well as help with discussions about how murder is used in mystery novels. In all these case, Sally provides an interesting resource to provide deeper understanding. She and the book can be brought in to almost any discussion group to offer alternate interpretations of material.
Review Source:
Jones, T. (1987). The ruby in the smoke (book review). School Library Journal, 33(8). 112
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Horowitz, A. (2004). The falcon's malteser. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399241531
A parody of Dashiell Hammett’s famous novel “The Maltese Falcon”, Horowitz is at his best here, providing witty retorts and offering up terrible puns. Narrated by Nick Diamond, the younger half of the Diamond Detective Agency, the novel’s plot follows a roughly similar plot to Hammett’s famous story, when Nick is hired to protect a box of Malteser chocolates. The midget is found dead soon after and Nick’s brother, Tim, is arrested as the primary suspect in the murder. Nick has to solve the mystery quickly and get his brother out of jail.
Although aimed at the younger end of our age group, at a reading level for 8-14 year olds, Horowitz’s novel about a pair of brothers running a detective agency is probably the best introduction of the noir novels without offering teens some not-always-teen-friendly noir fiction. The book also provides what might be some much needed humor. Detective fiction is very easily and very often parodied, and pairing up The Falcon’s Malteser with other parody mysteries, like the movie Murder by Death, will provide for interesting discussion. The puns in the novel are easy set-ups for clues used in the scavenger hunt-puns and anagrams are often clues in murder mysteries, and using the Falcon’s Malteser as an introduction, they can be used very easily in the hands-on scavenger hunt section of the program.
Review Source:
Weisman, K. (2004). The falcon's malteser: A Diamond Brothers mystery (Book). Booklist, 101(2). 245.
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Haddon, M. (2003) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. New York: Doubleday. ISBN 0385509456
Possibly one of the oddest mystery novels for teens, Haddon has written an autistic antagonist who seems totally detached from his emotions and from the world around him. Christopher Boone, the main character, has trouble understanding human society. But he likes dogs. Which is why it comes as a shock to him when he finds his neighbor’s poodle impaled by a rake, and himself accused of the crime.
While the book is often used to promote acceptance and awareness of the autistic spectrum, and the run-on sentences and structure are reminiscent of the mental state of an autistic person, it is still a mystery novel. The underlying structure of the novel is similar to a Sherlock Holmes story, using a protagonist who, while similar in mental acuity to Holmes, has none of Holmes’ grounding. Being so similar and so different at the same time make The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time a very good book to talk about the way detectives can be used either in a traditional sense or in a totally untraditional sense.
Review Source:
McCay, M. (2004). The curious incident of the dog in the night-time (book). Booklist, 100(9/10). 890
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Rucka, G., & Lark, M. (2004). Gotham central: In the line of duty. New York: DC Comics. ISBN 1415530610
Rucka’s first collected volume of this gritty detective comic is an interesting combination of detective story, cop drama, and costumes superheroes. While Batman does appear from time to time, the real meat of the storyline focuses on the policemen of Gotham, who deal caped supervillains in a very CSI-like manner. Rucka’s storylines are dramatic and strong, offering sympathetic characters and crime procedural, even when the occasional masked villain shows up.
While Gotham Central may appear to be an odd addition in a program like this, not only does the format provide some needed variety, but it also adds some variety to the type of detectives, the rest of the book depict. While Professional and Amateur sleuths are common, one of the other hallmarks of the mystery genre is the crime procedural. The way Rucka mixes forensics and supervillainy allows for this book’s introduction during an event exploring forensics, and also offers up some contrast between the way police work in a mystery novel and the way detectives handle their cases.
Review Source:
Raiteri, S. (2004). Gotham central: In the line of duty (book). Library Journal, 129(18). 64-65
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Non-Fiction Resources
Huang, J. & Lugar, A. (2006). Mystery muses: 100 classics that inspire today's mystery writers. Carmel, IN: Crum Creek Press. ISBN 096258049X
Huang and Lugar have compiled a wonderful book of short essays from current mystery authors about the books and stories that inspired them. The articles range in tone from vibrantly funny to thoughtful to critical, but all of them are interesting, intelligent and well-written. Some of the stories mentioned are ones that teens will have heard before, and some they won’t, but the essays, one and all, inspire the reader to go out and take a look at their source.
In Young Adult Literature and Multimedia: A Quick Guide, Loertscher notes this title as a “Touchstone Title” in non-fiction mystery. In fact, this is the only non-fiction mystery book he suggests. This is because, while not written with a specifically YA audience in mind, the authors in the book provide a broad ranging selection of tones and types of mystery stories. They talk about how mysteries inspired them, and their excitement is well-nigh infectious. This is the book to read before bringing in the speaker, because it will provide the participants with questions to ask, and topics to consider when talking to an author about how and what he writes.
Review Source:
(2006). Mystery notes. Publishers Weekly, 253(43). 41
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Rehak, M (2005). Girl sleuth: Nancy Drew and the women who created her. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0151010412
Nancy Drew was one of the first plucky amateur sleuths-of whom this program has seen a lot. Rehak’s book is as much a mystery about Nancy Drew’s authors, as it is a serious social history. Who really wrote Nancy Drew? What did Nancy Drew really mean to the people who wrote her? In this tightly written, intelligent book for both teens and adults, Rehak lays bare the curious story of Nancy Drew.
This book offers up yet another example of the amateur sleuth as well as offering a slightly different type of detective-Rehak herself, who uncovers the story of “Carolyn Keene”, the fictitious author of the Nancy Drew series. This book can expand discussions on sleuths and their authors, as well as offering up a whole new look on the discussion topic of “what is a mystery?”
Review Source:
Bercher, P. (2006). Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her. [Review]. School Library Journal, 52(4). 171.
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Video Resources
Moore, R. (Director), Simon, N. (Writer). (1976). Murder by death. [Motion Picture]. Burbank, CA: Columbia Tristar Home Video
This 1976 film is possibly one of the best films to introduce some of the older hallmark characters. Murder by Death is a screwball comedy that has aged gracefully. It’s the story of an improbable murder mystery, where five characters (all parodies of a famous detective) are invited to dinner at a mansion. Their host offers them a million dollars to solve a murder than hasn’t occurred yet-of course within the course of the evening, their host is, obligingly, murdered, and the oddball cast of characters scrambles to figure out whodunit.
This movie, while not aimed solely at a teenage audience, has a PG rating and is suitable for the age group, as well as having a subject matter that is both funny and appropriate. Paired with the Maltese Falcon parody novel noted earlier, this movie makes for an entertaining movie night as well as a rousing and cheerful discussion of comedy, murder mysteries, and detective stereotypes.
Review Source:
(1976). Murder by death [review]. Variety.
Persistent URL:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117793318.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0
Lynn, J. (Director), Landis, J. (Writer), Lynn, J. (Writer). (1985). Clue. [Motion Picture]. Hollywood, CA: Paramount Home Video
The movie Clue, based off the board game by the same name is another slapstick comedy poking fun at the strange quirks of the detective genre. Possibly the only movie to have had three different endings aired in theaters, Clue never bothers to take itself seriously. It is one of the classic murder comedies.
Considering that during the program, the board game itself will be offered, inviting the teens for a final movie night to watch Clue and play the game before setting up their own “parlor scene” for them to discuss the outcome of their own personal murder mystery and decide once and for all whodunit. Clue makes a perfect backdrop for the end of the program, because it offers a last, fun take on murder mystery.
Review Source:
(1985). Clue [Review]. Time, 126. 79.
Persistent URL:
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Johnson, R. (Writer and Director). (2006). Brick. [Motion Picture]. Universal City, CA: Focus Features
Brick is a brilliant noir movie about Brendan Frye, a teenager in wastelands of suburban California who becomes consumed with finding the person who murdered his ex-girlfriend. Brendon’s journey takes him through the seedy underbelly of his school, where who you eat lunch with matters, and things are darker than they first appear. The noir patter runs fast and heavy and the patterns of the words will have the audience moving in that rhythm, for days, as any good noir piece should.
This material would not be used for a movie night, but it would be recommended, as part of the program, to the older teens, who would be encouraged to watch it on their own and discuss it during the discussion group having to do with types of detectives. Although it is written about and for teens, the murder and drugs which feature heavily in the plot earned it an R rating, making it unsuitable for a library showing.
Review Source:
Mooallem, S. (2006). Brick. (Movie Review). Interview, 36(2). 144
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Lumet, S. (Director), Dehn, P. (Writer). (1974). Murder on the Orient Express. [Motion Picture]. Hollywood, CA: Paramount
An incredible screen adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s best known stories, Murder on the Orient Express showcases on of the best known detectives aside from Sherlock Holmes. Hercule Poirot boards the Orient Express, and is stopped by another passenger with a request for protection-Poirot refuses, to find the next day that the passenger has been murdered. The story, one of Christie’s best, is intricate and the cast of characters brilliant.
The film, like the story, was not written for teens in mind, but it doesn’t have to be. At a PG rating, the content matter is suitable for them, and the way the story twists and turns will give their minds a work-out trying to stay one step ahead of Poirot. This film will be paired with the discussion session regarding the types of detectives that exist, and how and why they are treated in particular ways depending on the type of plot and genre.
Games
Cluedo (Clue). Parker Brothers.
One of the best known games, and also one of the only games about a mystery, Clue is fun for all ages, not just teens, but teens should already know the game and enjoy playing it. Paired with the movie, playing the game should provide a relaxing end to the program, where teens can play board games, talk about what they’ve learned, with the event and program ending in a final solving of the program’s own murder mystery.
Websites
(2007). MysteryNet.Com. Retrieved November 28, 2007 from: http://www.mysterynet.com/
A vibrant, interactive website with something for everyone. They offer mysteries of all stripes, as well as chatrooms to talk to other mystery enthusiasts, mystery games, and other resources. Information on the great detectives as well as lesser known ones, packaged in with the mystery stories offers a broad spectrum of information beyond what reading the program’s few books and watching a handful of movies can provide. The site also offers teens a mystery timeline of all the great detectives and writers as well as profiles about how some well-known TV shows fit into the mystery genre.
Out of the Past. (2007) Investigating Film Noir. Retrieved November 28, 2007 from: http://outofthepast.libsyn.com/
One of the best and only podcasts focusing on film noir. Although the program doesn’t go deeply into noir, some teens might be interested in learning about how noir films are constructed and how they fit into the detective mythos. This podcast provides that, and more, going in depth and speaking with producers and directors about how they craft films from mystery novels teens might want to read.
References
(2006). TeenReads.com. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Ultimate Teen Reading List Web site: http://www.teenreads.com/features/2006-reading-list.asp
Teen Reads is one of the best websites to find reviews for teens of books. I used the site to find interesting mystery books that I considered using for this program.
Brenner, R (2004). No Flying, No Tights. Retrieved November 29, 2007, from The Usual Suspects Web site: http://www.noflyingnotights.com/usual.html
I wanted to have at least one non-book format offering, and I knew that there were some graphic novels that would fit that description. No Flying, No Tights is a teen review resource and its reviews are neatly categorized for use finding the correct genre.
Harlann, M.A., Loertscher, D.V., & McElmeel, S.L. (2007). Young adult literature and multimedia: a quick guide (3rd ed.). Salt Lake City: Hi Willow Research & Publishing.
I started off with Loertscher’s book to pick up suggestions about where to start looking, and what books might be suitable for teens. His article on mysteries for teens was a little garbled and mixed in with Supernatural and Thriller genres, but his list of Touchstone Titles was a useful starting point.
Mystery Readers International, (2007). Mystery Readers International and Mystery Readers Journal. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from Mystery Readers International's Macavity Awards Web site: http://www.mysteryreaders.org/macavity.html
The Mystery Readers Macavity Awards offered some good options, although it is geared towards adults. I mostly used it to look for a few interesting nonfiction titles, since I was having trouble finding them elsewhere.
Mystery Writers of America, (2007). The Edgar Award Nominees. Retrieved November 30, 2007, from The Edgar Awards Web site: http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html
Another useful booklist, since the Edgars have a category for young adult mystery fiction. I skimmed their list looking for good books to include.