Can I use books I've already read?
We would prefer you use books that are new to you, so please only log books that you completed March 8, 2021 and after.
Are there page number requirements for the books I read for this activity?
No, but we do ask that you read books that are appropriate for middle schoolers. We want you to select books that you enjoy, but please don't select books based on the fewest number of pages. If you are going to read fiction or nonfiction, please try to stick to chapter books. Graphic novels are OK too, but try to avoid picture books.
Can I read graphic novels?
Yes
Do I need to read a specific genre?
No. You can read in whatever genre you want, but if you read a book in the "bonus genre" your book counts twice towards unlocking the next clue. (see the current "bonus genre" on the How Does it Work? page)
What do I do with the clues?
Read them. Use the clue tracker sheet to take notes and keep track of your thoughts as each new clue is released. You will need information from all of the clues to solve the final clue and figure out who took Oreo and where she is. You do not need to turn anything in. At the end, after all clues have been released, you will have an opportunity to solve the mystery and submit your answer in a Google Form (to be added to the Solve the Mystery page after all clues are unlocked)
How do I know how many more books need to be logged before the next clue unlocks?
You can keep track of that on the How Does it Work? page. That page is updated once a day.
How do clues unlock?
Unlocking clues is a group effort! For example, if 25 books are needed to unlock the first clue, that means if 25 different students all log 1 book each, the first clue will be unlocked!
How will I get any digital badges I earn?
You will received them as an attachment to an email to your school Gmail account.
How will I know if I won a prize?
You will be notified by email to your school Gmail account.
When does this activity end?
It depends on how long it takes for all of the clues to be unlocked and for students to solve the mystery!