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Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch

by Donald J. Sobol

Monday, June 14, 2032 @ Monday, June 14, 2032

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Dive into the mysterious world of Encyclopedia Brown—where every chapter is a mystery and readers must read closely, observe every detail, and think carefully to discover the answer. Each meeting, we will discuss our theories on the solution to the mystery and the clues we may have missed, then explore the solution and see how it all came together. The “Case of the Secret Pitch” is Book Two in the series, but readers don’t have to have read Book One to understand and join in with Book Two—readers can join in at any time!

What Makes This Club Special

Ms. Conley is a professional writer and educator who helps students explore reading on a deeper level through her understanding of how books are written. Throughout the reading of Encyclopedia Brown, our club will explore the tricks of mystery stories and how authors keep readers in suspense. At the end of each class, there will be a discussion of the “challenge words” (vocabulary) found in the text, as well as what to look for next time, to help students better solve the mystery on their own. By the end of the club, students should have a better understanding of how to put together small details to see the bigger picture, have stronger critical thinking skills, and have new words in their working vocabularies.

Your Guide

Robin Conley was born and raised in Michigan, USA, and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and World Literature from Western Michigan University and a double Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Screenwriting and Genre Fiction from Western Colorado University. She has over ten years’ experience working as a professional writer — including as a technical editor and content creator for businesses on the ground and on the web; as a publications editor for books, curriculum, websites, and more; and as a transcriptionist for film and television, including work for the Food Network, HBO, FX, and A&E.  

Ms. Conley has also served as a writing contest judge, and her professional book editing includes ghostwriting for mystery, romance, and fantasy novels. As a writing coach, consultant, and editor for published novelists, short story writers, and award-winning screenwriters, her students and clients have gone on to win awards and become accomplished in their niches.

After spending a few years in Hollywood working as a writing consultant and editor, she’s now traveling the world teaching, editing, and coaching writers while continuing to develop her own projects for publishing.

About the Book

(From Amazon) Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville neighborhood’s ten-year-old star detective. A cross-eyed baseball pitch… A missing penknife named Excalibur… Poems that pack a punch… A mysterious kidnapping… And some tall tales that come up short! These are just some of the ten brain-twisting mysteries that Encyclopedia Brown must solve by using his famous computer-like brain. Try to crack the cases along with him–the answers to all the mysteries are found in the back!

Age Range – Middle Grade (8-12 years old)

Parental Guidance

Each chapter is a complete mystery, perfect for readers who have trouble getting absorbed into longer stories or those who enjoy seeing the story’s hero go on several adventures. Throughout each story, the importance of observation, listening, and looking at the big picture instead of jumping to conclusions is emphasized as the key to Encyclopedia Brown’s success. The crimes throughout the story are generally non-violent and usually involve theft, neighborhood disputes, or recovering lost items. Encyclopedia Brown is an honorable hero who always exhibits honesty, respect, and a passion for doing what’s right.

Parents must attend with all students ages 13 and under.

Reading Schedule

  • June 14 Discussion – Chapters 1, 2, and 3
  • June 21 Discussion – Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7
  • June 28 Discussion – Chapters 8, 9, and 10

How To Begin

It’s easy! Follow these steps to get started…

  1. Sign up and get in (before it’s full!) — Use the blue button at the bottom of this page to save your spot.
  2. Receive your information — Within 48 hours of signing up, you’ll get an email with your Club’s details. Save this email, bookmark the zoom link, and add the club dates to your calendar.
  3. Prepare for your first meeting — Get the book from your own favorite source, or buy your book(s) directly from your Book Club pages. Read the assigned chapters ahead of time, and download and print the supplies list for crafts (young readers), activity pages for during the Club time (older readers), or the handout to guide the discussion (older students).

For more information, visit the How It Works page.

Recordings
This club is currently ongoing. When it’s over, you’ll be able to purchase a recording here!