Encyclopedia Brown Boy Detective
What is Encyclopedia Brown's unique talent?
He has a talent for solving mysteries using logic and observation.
Where did Armand and the children live?
Armand and the children lived under a bridge in Paris.
What was Charlotte Parkhurst's goal in life?
Charlotte wanted to live freely and have her own land.
What was the main project that Julia and her friend were assigned?
To raise silkworms.
What is Ella's curse?
She is cursed with obedience.
What is the name of the town where Encyclopedia Brown lives?
Idaville
What were some of the challenges the children faced?
Examples include lack of food, shelter, and security.
What name did Charlotte use when she disguised herself as a man?
Charley
What was the main challenge Julia and her friend faced in raising silkworms?
They had trouble finding mulberry leaves, which silkworms eat.
Who is Lucinda, and what role does she play in the story?
Lucinda is the fairy who gave Ella the curse.
How does Encyclopedia Brown often use the "clues" from the reader to solve a case?
He uses the clues provided in the story to find inconsistencies or contradictions in the suspects' stories.
How did Armand's life change after meeting the children?
Armand's life changed from one of solitary freedom to one of responsibility and love.
How did Charlotte's skills with horses contribute to her success?
Her skill with horses allowed her to become a skilled stagecoach driver, which was a well-paying job and provided her with independence.
How did Julia's cultural background influence her feelings about the project?
Mia initially felt uncomfortable because silkworms were associated with a part of her Korean heritage she didn't fully understand.
How does Ella try to overcome her curse?
She tries to avoid situations where she might be commanded to do something against her will and she sets off on a journey to find Lucinda.
What makes Encyclopedia Brown's approach to solving mysteries different from other detectives you might have read about?
He relies on logic and everyday knowledge rather than physical strength or elaborate gadgets.
How does the author portray the theme of family in the story?
The author portrays family as a bond formed through love and care, not just blood relations.
How does the author show Charlotte's determination and perseverance throughout the story?
By showing her continuous hard work, her ability to overcome obstacles, and her commitment to her goals despite facing prejudice.
How does the book address the themes of friendship and cultural understanding?
It shows how Julia and her friend learn to work together despite their differences, and how they both learn to appreciate cultural diversity.
How does the author use the fairy tale genre to explore themes of free will and independence?
The curse forces Ella to confront the limitations imposed on her, highlighting the importance of choosing one's own path.
Do you think it is fair that the reader is given the clues to solve the mysteries? Explain why or why not.
Some may say it is fair because it allows reader to think like a detective. Others may say it is unfair because they don't have all the information.
What does the story teach about the meaning of home and family?
Students should consider the characters' experiences and what they learned about home and family.
What does Charlotte Parkhurst's story teach about gender roles and achieving dreams?
Students should discuss how Charlotte challenged societal expectations and proved that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination.
What does the project teach Julia about herself and her cultural identity?
Students should discuss how she learns to embrace her heritage and overcome her initial discomfort.
Do you think Ella's curse ultimately made her stronger? Why or why not?
Answers will vary. Students should consider how Ella's struggles helped her develop resourcefulness and inner strength.