Characters
Who is the main narrator of the story?
Petra Andalee
In what city does the story take place?
Chicago
What strange thing starts happening at the Robie House?
Objects move / strange things happen in the house
What object seems to move on its own?
Furniture or objects shifting position
What famous architect designed the Robie House?
Frank Lloyd Wright.
Who are the three friends solving the mystery?
Petra, Calder, and Tommy
What famous house is central to the mystery?
The Robie House
What do the kids try to do to solve the mystery?
They investigate and look for clues
What do the kids notice about shadows in the house?
Shadows look unusual or change
What design principle of Wright’s is reflected in the Robie House’s structure?
Harmony with the environment (Prairie style/organic architecture).
Which character is known for being logical and observant?
Calder
What type of building is the Robie House?
A historic home / architectural landmark
What happens during their overnight stay?
They experience strange events and think the house may be haunted
What role do patterns play in solving the mystery?
Patterns help them understand clues
How do the horizontal lines of the house symbolize Wright’s philosophy?
They reflect the flat prairie landscape and a sense of balance and calm.
Who is the mysterious caretaker of the Robie House?
Mrs. Sharpe
What season does most of the story occur in?
Winter
What clue makes them question the caretaker?
Her behavior seems suspicious / doesn’t fully explain things
What connection do the clues have to architecture?
Clues relate to how the house was designed
Why is the Robie House the perfect setting for the mystery?
Its design includes hidden spaces, patterns, and symbolism.
Which character struggles with changes in their family?
Tommy
Why is the Robie House important historically?
It was designed by a famous architect and is important to architecture history
What is revealed at the end about the “ghost”?
There is no ghost—It is actually the spirit of the house.
How do the Calder, Tommy, and Petra finally figure out the truth?
They use clues and reasoning to solve it
What connection do the Calder, Petra, and Tommy make between art and problem-solving?
Both require interpreting patterns and thinking creatively.