I've noticed an uptick of late in the number of stories that involve someone either being called to the reading of a will that results in a scavenger hunt to find the real inheritance, or after someone dies or while living announces they are looking for an heir, a competition is launched that involves riddles and puzzles to solve. The first one of these in existence that I could think of was The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin that came out in 1978 and won the 1979 Newbery Medal. It's been pretty popular and in print ever since, so clearly this isn't a new thing, nor is it something that really goes out of style. It has gotten a resurgence since The Inheritance Games came out though, so we're going to highlight Raskin's book and some of the others today that are carrying on the sub-genre. These types of books are good reads for those who like a mental challenge as they read as many of them give the reader enough information to see if they can beat the main character in puzzling out the solutions. Get your thinking caps on, find a cozy reading spot, and see if you have what it takes to be an heir in any of these book worlds. Click the image or scan the QR code for my full summary and review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.
The Brainstorm Mission: To help readers find books they will love. To get books off the shelves and into reading hands. To make teachers and parents aware of resources. To give teachers an “excuse” to use books by helping them brainstorm ways books will augment current studies. (But teachers, please use activity tie-in ideas wisely, and don’t use every idea for each book; let’s avoid book death by overkill and keep the love for books alive!)
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Brainstorm 346: Flamingo Stories
This week's Brainstorm has 3 books for you featuring flamingos. Click on the image or scan the QR code to see my full summary and review for each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)







