Month: April 2023

Happy Birthday Nancy Drew!

93 years ago, “The Secret of the Old Clock” was published, and young readers joined Nancy Drew solving all sorts of mysteries. Nancy Drew was unlike other young women depicted in books at the time. She was a pioneer…one of the first female heroes young readers met. She was, and continues to be, an inspiration to young readers (or readers of all ages). While times may have dramatically changed since the books were originally published, Nancy Drew’s popularity and impact on young girls continues.

I was watching an old episode of Gilmore Girls in which Lorelai says “I know there’s more to the story than you’re telling me. […] I’ve read every Nancy Drew mystery ever written, the one about the Amish country twice.” Still a relevant pop culture reference in the early 2000s. Like Lorelai on Gilmore Girls, I grew up reading Nancy Drew too.

When I was young, my mom searched flea markets and old bookstores to find beautiful old forgotten copies of Nancy Drew. She would keep this tiny list in her wallet with the books we had so she could find them all. I devoured them. Like many young readers who came before me, I wanted to solve crimes, save the world, and drive a super cute convertible.

While the original Nancy Drew books are incredible (and hold a special place in my heart), there have been additions….new books, movies, tv shows, games, and more. Here are a few Nancy Drew options (in addition to reading the original books):

Nancy Drew – a tv show from 2007 available on amazon.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew – these books are geared towards younger elementary age readers.

Nancy Drew Files – these books are more appropriate for middle school readers.

Nancy Drew, Reporter – a short movie from 1939. I’ve never seen this before but will be watching it now in honor of Nancy Drew’s birthday.

Nancy Drew – another tv series from 1995 appropriate for young adults.

Nancy Drew Collector Card Game – this fun family game uses logic and deduction and the cards have the original cover artwork.

Hunt A Killer Mystery at Magnolia Gardens – Solve a Nancy Drew Mystery – a murder mystery game for teens and adults.

Additionally, there are many Nancy Drew computer games. While Nancy Drew didn’t have cell phones or computers to help solve her mysteries, her logical crime solving skills and fearlessness when facing the mysteries, she is still a hero to many young readers.

The Magician’s Elephant

I picked up a copy of Kate DiCamillo’s “The Magician’s Elephant” when it was first released but somehow missed reading it until now. My delay in reading is no reflection on the story and simply that of “to be read” pile growing out of control as Kate DiCamillo is definitely one of my favorite children’s authors.

“The Magician’s Elephant” is the story of hope when things seem hopeless. A fortune tellers tent appears in the middle of town and young orphan, Peter Augustus Duchene, knows he must ask the one question that plaques him….is his sister still alive? He was told his sister died at birth by the solider who took him after his parents’ deaths, but he believes she might be alive. The fortune teller gives him a nearly impossible to believe answer…she is alive, follow the elephant.

While there are no elephants here, this answer might destroy all hope, but Peter waits and as luck would have it, a magician uses his spell to drop an elephant on the stage instead of flowers. Obviously, Peter believes this is a sign and knows he needs to get to that elephant to find his sister.

It isn’t easy getting to an elephant, but Peter is determined and even more determined to have the elephant lead him to his sister. Nothing is truly hopeless until one gives up all hope…Peter never does. He truly believes the elephant will help him find his sister. Check out this sweet story to see if Peter finds his sister and how an elephant can possibly change his entire life. Once you read it, check the sweet adaptation on Netflix!