Mysteries have always been popular with middle grade readers. They are generally fast-paced stories that build self-confidence by allowing the reader to solve the crime. Simple mysteries for this age group follow a clear formula where the author provides clues for the reader in a predictable fashion, using escapes, setbacks and coincidence. The Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books are both in this category.
As readers become skilled at solving mysteries, they reach for books that require careful scrutiny to discern clues. Mystery of Drear House by Virginia Hamilton and Goody Hall by Natalie Babbitt and are excellent examples. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you choose to write mysteries for children.
* Unlike other types of children’s books, the child protagonist in a mystery does not go through major character development during the story. His or her character must be strong at the beginning of the book, and have qualities the reader will identify with or admire. However, one of the protagonist’s character traits (such as having a photographic memory) can be used to solve the mystery, as long as the readers know about it.
* Another distinction between mysteries and other types of fiction is that in mysteries there is little or no underlying theme to the story (such as loneliness, peer pressure, etc.). The plot drives the story, and the conflict and tension is derived from what happens to the main characters from without, rather than what’s going on inside themselves.
* The child in the story must be as smart, or smarter, than the grounups. Adults can help in certain situations in order to make the story believable, but the child must uncover the major clues and solve the case.
* The clues to the crime, as well as the crime itself, must be accessible to children in real life in order for the story to be realistic. This also helps the reader unravel the mystery. A child would not know, for example, how someone could alter the brakes on a car, but he or she is most likely aware of how this was done to a bicycle.
* The reader must have access to all the clues available to the protagonist. It’s not fair for the author to withhold information.
* It’s a good idea for the author to rehash the entire crime and round up all the clues at the end of the book. A common method is using the progatonist to summarize the crime to another character just before solving the case. This will remind readers of the clues, and give them a better chance of coming up with the solution on their own.
Laura Backes is the publisher of Children’s Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children’s Writers. For more information about how to write children’s books, including free articles, market tips, insider secrets and much more, visit Children’s Book Insider’s home on the web at http://write4kids.com and the CBI Clubhouse at http://cbiclubhouse.com
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