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The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
Book (2004)
NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • Ellen Raskin's unforgettable, timeless classic continues to be cherished by young readers of each new generation.
"Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review
A highly inventive mystery begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play a game. All they have to do is find the answer—but the answer to what? The Westing game is tricky and dangerous, but the heirs play on—through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Sam Westing may be dead ... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!
Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award • An ALA Notable Book
"Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review
A highly inventive mystery begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play a game. All they have to do is find the answer—but the answer to what? The Westing game is tricky and dangerous, but the heirs play on—through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Sam Westing may be dead ... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!
Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award • An ALA Notable Book
Book (2004)
NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • Ellen Raskin's unforgettable, timeless classic continues to be cherished by young readers of each new generation.
"Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review
A highly inventive mystery begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play a game. All they have to do is find the answer—but the answer to what? The Westing game is tricky and dangerous, but the heirs play on—through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Sam Westing may be dead ... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!
Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award • An ALA Notable Book
"Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review
A highly inventive mystery begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play a game. All they have to do is find the answer—but the answer to what? The Westing game is tricky and dangerous, but the heirs play on—through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Sam Westing may be dead ... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!
Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award • An ALA Notable Book
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Content at a glance
More filled segments mean stronger content.
Sex & Nudity
There is no sexual content or nudity in this story, as it focuses entirely on the mystery and puzzle-solving aspects of the plot.
Violence & Gore
The plot involves mysterious bombings and potential threats of physical harm, but these are handled in a non-graphic, suspenseful manner suitable for middle-grade readers.
Profanity
Language is very mild and appropriate for school-aged children, limited to occasional mild interjections like 'd*mn' or 'h*ll' used to express frustration.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
There may be very brief, infrequent references to social settings involving adult beverages, but substance use is not a central theme or glorified.
Frightening Scenes
The story generates suspense through its 'whodunit' mystery format, featuring moments of tension and mystery regarding the death of the protagonist.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
This is a clever brain-teaser of a story where a group of strangers must work together—or against each other—to solve a challenging riddle and win a fortune.
Content Warnings
Bombings
Burglaries
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The plot involves high-stakes competition, incidents of property damage, and the threat of danger which creates a suspenseful, rather than graphic, atmosphere.
What Kids Can Learn
Readers develop patience and attention to detail by tracking multiple character arcs and clues throughout a non-linear, puzzle-based structure.
Key Topics Discussed
Critical thinking
Mystery
Social dynamics
Why Parents Might Like It
The sophisticated, witty writing style provides an engaging challenge that rewards attentive readers with a satisfying payoff.
Positives & learning
More filled segments mean stronger positive content or learning value.
Positive messages
The narrative emphasizes that appearances are often deceiving and that intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork are essential for solving complex problems.
Role models
Characters display a range of human flaws and virtues, showcasing growth through self-discovery and the necessity of looking past initial impressions to understand others.
Representation
The cast features a broad demographic range within a specific apartment building setting, providing varied perspectives and social backgrounds.
Learning
Encourages analytical thinking, reading comprehension, and the appreciation of wordplay, literary puzzles, and lateral thinking.
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