Page 32 - Ziptales Program Manual - US

Mystery Stories (Extending
Literacy 3-6)

The Crying in the Dark: A little dog is discovered when its cries are heard. But who is the
owner? The people finding the dog track down the happy family and there is a reunion.
(688 words) (Zip Stage 4) (Flesch 2.0) (Lexile 190)

Time to Own Up: A theft has taken place. There are four suspects – all boys who live in
the same boarding house. Who did it? (728 words) (Zip Stage 5) (Flesch 3.3) (Lexile 250)

The Fool Fails: Four children are the suspects responsible for a rude message about
the teacher written on the whiteboard. Who did it? (789 words) (Zip Stage 5) (Flesch 2.8)
(Lexile 350)

Accused: Someone ate the chocolate cake, but who? Everyone thinks it was Emily,
but after a while even she’s not sure. (754 words) (Zip Stage 5) (Flesch 2.7) (Lexile 370)

The Attic: A curious girl is mystified by the forbidden locked attic. One night she enters, and
accidentally starts a fire. It turns out the mystery wasn’t sinister, and she learns her lesson.
(748 words) (Zip Stage 6) (Flesch 3.8) (Lexile 510)

The Fancy Dress Fiend: Someone has trashed the room of the birthday girl during the
party itself. Who did it? Sally Sherlock investigates and solves the mystery. (1923 words)
(Zip Stage 6) (Flesch 4.2) (Lexile 480)

The Midnight Raiders: It’s a hot summer, perfect for sneaking ice cream in the middle of
the night. The freezer however objects to being raided, or does it? (802 words) (Zip Stage 6)
(Flesch 3.6) (Lexile 680)

Run, Roger, Run: A rat called Roger keeps escaping from his cage. How did he get out?
(927 words) (Zip Stage 7) (Flesch 4.5) (Lexile 520)

The Battered Bully: Bradley the bully, who has been terrorising all the children, is
discovered beaten up. Who did it? Sally Sherlock investigates and solves the mystery.
(2606 words) (Zip Stage 7) (Flesch 5.1) (Lexile 520)
Fishy Business: Can fish really blow whoopsies? Fin seems to be, but why? (960 words)
(Zip Stage 7) (Flesch 4.3) (Lexile 890)

The Bread Thief: Scott’s dog Bounce goes missing, and bread is stolen from Jake’s
family bakery. What a day! Is there a connection? (1108 words) (Zip Stage 7) (Flesch 4.7)
(Lexile 810)

Crazy Codes: Someone has been writing abusive messages that children in the computer
lab find on their machines. But the culprit teases everyone by using a code. Who did it?
Sally Sherlock investigates and solves the mystery. (3224 words) (Zip Stage 8) (Flesch 6.6)
(Lexile 630)

At the end of every story are two interactive
comprehension tests, for immediate feedback.

Worksheets are available for every story.

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