Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

"A Good Student's Guide to the Truth—Now It's Your Turn"

This activity provides students with the opportunity to research a mystery in their own communities, gain a practitioner's view of investigative journalism, and develop a deeper understanding of the novel's main character by emulating Pip in their sleuthing.

Journalists Jodi Cantor and Megan Twohey teach students how to conduct investigative journalism in their book Chasing the Truth: A Young Journalist's Guide to Investigative Reporting. Just like Pip chased the truth about Sal and Andie, you will research and write your own piece of investigative journalism, using what you learned from A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and highlighted teachings from Chasing the Truth. With a small group, complete the following tasks:

• First, read an excerpt from Chapter One of Chasing the Truth, accessible at this link.
• Next, discuss the 10 Questions for Writing and Discussion in this article about the Chasing the Truth book.
• Lastly, brainstorm local mysteries you may want to investigate further. Use local newspapers or online sources to identify possible investigation topics.