Can't help re-reading this book

One of the joys of being a teacher is having the excuse to read children's books. The Westing Game was one of my favorite books when I was in middle school, but if it wasn't for my profession, I may never have remembered this wonderful book. Although it was one of my favorites, it took me many years to remember the title. My appreciation for this book did not fade over time. My hope is that all kids and adults give this engaging book a chance.

The story, a mystery, involves heirs of an eccentric millionaire who must decipher clues to find the millionaire's murderer. Throughout the book, the reader is let in on the clues so that he or she may play along. This interactivity, along with various twists, turns, and surprises, make the book impossible to put down.

For educators: This is a good book to encourage creative solutions and critical thinking. Since it is a Newbery winner, there are sure to be many lesson plans available to use with the book. Check out http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/ for resources. Read this book aloud on rainy days to enhance the atmosphere of suspense.

For parents and kids: This is a good book for 4th grade on. It is suspenseful and fun. Parents will enjoy it as much as kids do. In fact, read it together, it'll make for good conversation. I read it with my mom and she loved it too.