Special Collection: Gripping Mysteries 

From a narrative nonfiction story about legendary Bigfoot sightings in North America to a captivating graphic fiction story about a ghostly dog, these mysteries will be sure to have your students on the edge of their seats. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Following Boo

At a ghostly campsite, Nate discovers an adorable 
dog . . . and a magical secret.

Read the Story
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this graphic story
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Background Builder Slidehow
Learn about the fountain of youth before you read the story
View the Slideshow
Fiction Read Aloud
Listen to the graphic story read aloud
Listen

The Mystery of the Red-Headed League

Can Sherlock Holmes, the world’s sharpest detective, 
solve the case before it’s too late?

Read the Play
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this play
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Background Builder
Learn about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes before reading
View the Slideshow
Write a News Article
Follow these steps to write a news article about the play's events
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The Search for Bigfoot

For years, people have said that a giant lives in the forests 
of the West. Could it be true?

Read the Article
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article
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Video: Monster Myths
Learn more about Bigfoot mysterious spottings throughout North America
Text Features
Unpack the story's photos, captions, and sidebars
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The Mystery of the Old Sea Captain

An unexpected new friend helps Tucker become a hero. 
Who exactly is he?

Read the Article
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article
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Collaboration Choice Board
Choose an exciting group project related to the article
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Immersive Read Aloud
Music and sound effects bring the story to life
Listen

Vanished

She was the most famous female pilot in the world. She and her plane disappeared somewhere over the
Pacific Ocean. What really happened to Amelia Earhart?

Read the Article
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article
Download
Behind the Scenes: "Vanished"
A video that takes students into the writing process
Cause and Effect
Identify possible causes of Earhart’s disappearance
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The Mystery of Roanoke

How could an entire village of people just disappear?

Read the Article
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article
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Behind the Scenes: "The Mystery of Roanoke"
Friedman discusses how she researched and wrote her article
Research Kit
Choose an exciting project related to the article
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Mountain of Doom

Dozens of people have disappeared or died on this 
mountain in Arizona. Is the place cursed?

Read the Paired Texts
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching the paired texts
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Beyond the Story: Into the World of Gold
Watch this fascinating video to find out where gold comes from
Vocabulary Slideshow
Unlock challenging vocabulary words with visual and audio support
View the Slideshow

The Mystery of the Cactus Arm

What could be whispering outside Oliver’s window? 
And what is it trying to tell him?

Read the Story
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this story
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Plot
Break down the plot of the story
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Choice Board
Choose an exciting project related to the story
Download

Are Those Aliens?

For years, people have seen strange objects in the sky. 
What exactly are they?

Read the Article
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article
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Watch a Video
Learn more about scientists' search for extraterrestial life
Text Features
Unpack the story's photos, captions, and sidebars
Download

Art Credits: Following Boo: Art by Natacha Bustos; The Mystery of the Red-Headed League: Art by Natacha Bustos; The Search for Bigfoot: Art by Gary Hanna; The Mystery of the Old Sea Captain: Shutterstock.com; Vanished: Pictures Inc./The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images; The Mystery of Roanoke: Art by Shane Rebenschied; The Mountain of Doom: Art by Shane Rebenschied; The Mystery of the Cactus Arm: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; Are Those Aliens?: IgorZh/Shutterstock.com