The Hawthorne Legacy

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Why do people read mysteries and thrillers? What are some of the cognitive benefits of reading these genres?

Teaching Suggestion: The Hawthorne Legacy celebrates the interactive, puzzle-solving nature of mysteries and uses the conventions of the thriller to convey ways that young adults might cope with traumatic events. This prompt is intended to promote student engagement with the book, even among those who are not naturally interested in mysteries or thrillers. After students answer this prompt and consider the resources listed below, they may enjoy sharing examples of mysteries they have read, watched, or played. They might discuss both what is enjoyable about the puzzles these works offer and what the genre can teach audiences about coping with life’s difficulties.

• This article from the British Psychological Society explores research into the mental benefits of reading mysteries. (The photograph referenced in the article’s opening can be seen here.)
• This article by a writer and counselor shares ideas about how reading mysteries and thrillers can improve our response to trauma. (Content Warning: mentions of mental health topics; threats of violence; mature content)

2. How do authors “play fair” by giving audiences all of the clues they need to solve the puzzles in a mystery without making the solution so obvious that the story becomes boring and predictable?

Teaching Suggestion: To guide instruction regarding the plot of the novel, it may be beneficial to explore students’ prior knowledge on how mysteries are constructed. If students have little familiarity with the kinds of clues—legitimate and false—that authors use to create the balance between engagement and fair play, they might briefly research the topic in pairs or small groups, then compile a list on the board or a display they can reference during reading. These and similar resources may offer added context on the topic.

• This article shares tips for mystery writers about how to deploy clues to create an engaging mystery.
• This article offers perspective on false clues known as red herrings.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

If a stranger died and left you a fortune, to what extent might you be suspicious and worried? Imagine that in order to keep the money, you had to move into the stranger’s former home and live there with their shocked and disappointed family. What conflicts would likely arise?

Teaching Suggestion: In The Hawthorne Legacy, Avery finds herself in this very situation; to access a bequeathed fortune, she must live in Hawthorne House and try to get along with Tobias’s family. After responding to the prompt independently, student might work briefly with a partner to brainstorm predictions regarding Ashley’s complex and troubling situation. This prompt is intended to increase empathy for Avery’s mixed feelings and provoke curiosity about how Avery’s conflict will turn out.