Ada Lace, on the Case (An Ada Lace Adventure)



Last updated Thursday, March 30, 2023

Author: Emily Calandrelli
Illustrator: Tamson Weston Renée Kurilla
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 978-1481485999
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2023

Synopsis: Ada Lace - third-grade scientist and inventor extraordinaire - has discovered something awful: her neighbor’s beloved Yorkie has been dognapped!

With the assistance of a quirky neighbor named Nina (who is convinced an alien took the doggie) and her ever-growing collection of gadgets, Ada sets out to find the wrongdoer. As their investigation becomes more and more mysterious, Ada and Nina grow closer, proving that opposites do, in fact, attract.

Note to readers:
•  Science topics and gadgetry are integrated into the stories and further explained in a “Behind the Science” afterword (starts on page 86). This, the first book in the "Ada Lace" series, incorporates a wireless camera, gecko gloves, and the Turing test as well as the concept of an ecosystem. There are no ethnic indicators in the text, but the illustrations reveal that Ada, her family, and bratty neighbor Milton are white; Nina appears to be Southeast Asian; and Mr. Peebles, an inventor who lives nearby, is black.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What detectives have you heard of? Are there any kid detectives? Would you be interested in being a detective?
•  Have you moved from one place to another? How did you make new friends?
•  What science projects have you worked on or seen?

Vocabulary:

•  taut - stretched to a point of firmness
•  capsized - turned over (like a boat)
•  coveralls - like overalls but with sleeves - a one-piece outfit that "covers all."
•  neurons - brain cells
•  flamboyant - elaborate or extravagant; florid; showy · rich or brilliant in colour; resplendent · exuberant or ostentatious
•  rotund - round, fat
•  scintillating - sparkling or shining brightly
•  awry - crooked, not straight

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kind of methods does Ada Lace use to solve a case? She follows a process, takes notes, and tries to keep an open mind. How could you use these methods in everyday life, when you aren't trying to solve a mystery?
•  Ada is new to the San Francisco Bay Area, and that's hard for her. Do you know anyone in her situation -- new school, new neighbors, new friends? What can you do to help them feel better?
•  What other mysteries have you read? Which are your favorites? What's fun about a mystery story?

Craft ideas:
•  See page 18 - draw your view of what you can see from your window, or your building.
•  Make a field guide. 1 sheet of colored paper, 2 or 3 sheets of white paper. Fold them in half to make a booklet!
•  Earth Day is April 22nd. Make a flyer or a poster. See ideas and suggestions on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2023-the-wonders-of-science-technology/earth-day-posterscards/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!