Puzzle Piece Mystery Book Project
Mystery stories are written puzzles for a reader. To complete this project you will need
to read a mystery book and complete the 10-piece puzzle template. You will share this
project with a small group of students in class and evaluate each other.
Materials Needed:
Puzzle piece template
Scissors
Manila envelope
Ziploc bag
Colored pencils, markers
Story map worksheet
Procedure:
1. Piece #1 - a creative illustration of the title and author of the book
2. Piece #2 - describes the main character in the book with an illustration
3. Piece #3 - lists the secondary characters in the book with an illustration
4. Piece #4 – describe the setting of the book
5. Piece #5 – identify the mystery in the book
6. Piece #6 - describes the main events of the story
7. Piece #7 - describes the climax or most intense part of the story
8. Piece #8 – lists three clues to solve the mystery in the book
9. Piece #9 - gives a hint to the solution of the problem but not the ending
10. Piece #10 - this is your personal rating and recommendation of the book. Include
your name and class period.
11. When the puzzle is complete, cut out the pieces and place them in a Ziploc bag.
12. Place the puzzle pieces and completed story map in a manila envelope.
13. Decorate the outside of the envelope with “Solving the Puzzle of ___________”.
This project will be shared in small groups.
Due date ___________________
Name _________________
Rubric for Student Assessment
Factor
Number of Points
Piece #1 creatively displays the title and author.
1
2
3
Piece #2 tells the reader about the main character and is
illustrated.
1
2
3
Piece #3 tells the reader about the secondary characters and is
illustrated.
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Piece #9 gives a hint to the solution of the problem but does not
give away the ending.
1
2
3
Piece #10 gives a personal rating and recommendation. It also
includes the student’s name and class period.
1
2
3
1
2
3
Piece #4 tells the reader about the setting in the book.
Piece #5 tells the reader about the mystery in the book.
Piece #6 tells the reader about the main events of the book.
Piece #7 tells the reader about the climax of the book.
Piece #8 lists three clues about the mystery in the book.
Score for conventions and neatness.
Each area of the rubric is worth three points.
A maximum score of 33 points is possible.
Total score: ______/33____
Name ___________________________________
Class period: ____________
Story Map for Mystery Book Report
Title of Book and Author
Main Character and description
Secondary characters and description
Setting of story
Mystery or major conflict
Main events of story
Climax or highest suspense of story.
Clues the author gives toward solving the
mystery/problem
Solution of problem