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.