Read about Ragged Dick, Jesse James, California Joe, Frank Merriwell, and Nick Carter and get a feel for what this very popular genre was like. Students assume the identity of Ace, a private investigator, to explore the unusual behaviors behind some killer whales. To move through the story, explorers must complete certain education-based tasks that are related to oceanography. Students learn reasoning, logic, and other basic skills while traveling to exotic and interesting places. The books include include lesson plans, discussion groups, and curricular ideas.
Students can read the stories themselves or listen to sound files.
The online books have a pleasant interface for students. Promote family literacy. This site IS sponsored by Sears Portrait Studios, but it's a fun way for children to customize stories. Have students select from a dozen online stories to read. Dav Pilkey Jack London Jon Scieszka Lloyd Alexander Virtual Field Trips are teacher and student-created tours of curricular topics.