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Treasure Hunters: Peril at the Top of the World
Last updated Monday, January 6, 2025
Author: James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Illustrator: Juliana Neufeld
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0316346934
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2025
Synopsis:
After their adventures in China and Germany, the Kidd family is ready for some rest and relaxation. But when you're an ace treasure hunting team, there's always another adventure waiting around the corner!
This time, the Kidds head to Russia where a set of priceless paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt has gone missing. Hot on the trail of the daring thieves, the Kidds race through the sinister streets of St. Petersburg and the wild Arctic tundra to track down the stolen treasure.
| Note to readers: |
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llustrations to skip - (Ch. 24) Civilizations with hotter, arid climates exist today, and(Ch. 47) one character is made to feel bad about gaining weight.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Ask students to imagine places that would be good for a secret lair.
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Ask if anyone has recently visited a museum and to share what they liked best.
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Go around the room and name various media (mediums) used to create art.
Vocabulary
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Harangue - A lecture, or ranting speech.
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Cantankerous - Quick to irritation, bad-tempered.
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Contrarian - One who defends unpopular ideas or is opposition-seeking.
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Purloined - Stolen or obtained wrongfully.
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Abscond - To hide oneself or slink away secretly.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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(Ch. 11) Try to name 14 languages.
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(Ch. 16) Can you identify at least 6 differences between the illustrations?
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Why would someone like Mr. Kidd wear a dive watch? What benefits does it have?
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Does anyone know the official name of the "Russian furry hat"? (A: Ushanka)
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| Craft ideas: |
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Design a Fabergé-inspired egg (see pg. 46 for examples).
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Draw a winter picture in an international setting or a place you would like to visit.
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Make a snowy owl out of a paper bag, tape/adhesive, and scrap paper (see Pinterest post at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2025-mysteries-new-adventures/4th-peril-at-the-top-of-the-world/ for example).
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*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!
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