First you have to choose an interesting mystery book to read. Some popular mystery series include Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The Boxcar Children, and Encyclopedia Brown.
For younger elementary school students, the Monroe County Public Library recommends books like "Cam Janson and the Secret Service Mystery" by David Adler or "The Case of the Groaning Ghost" by James Preller. Older elementary students can try "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin or "The Case of the Missing Marquess" by Nancy Springer.
As you're reading the book, consider some of these questions. Taking notes may help you remember your thoughts, and give you material for your book report.
What are some of the clues in the book?
Who is the hero/heroine? How do they solve the mystery?
Did you solve the mystery before the solution was offered?
Did it surprise you when the mystery was revealed?
Once you have finished reading the book, you are ready to write your report. Here are a few basic points to cover in your book report.
At the beginning of your report, introduce the book, and include the book's title, author, setting, and main ideas.
Next, briefly summarize the book's plot, and make sure to describe the mystery.
With mystery books, the characters and clues are specifically important. In this next section of your report, describe each of the characters, including any of their suspicious traits or actions. Then, discuss what clues you noticed as you read the book; it may help to take notes as you are reading, so you're sure to remember all the clues.
Finally, end your report with your opinion of the book. Discuss what you liked and disliked about the book, and explain what could have been different to make you like the book more. Be sure to mention if you'd recommend the book to others.
If you have to give a presentation on your book report, dress up like a character in the book. For example, wear a Tweed cap, glasses and a jacket if you read a Sherlock Holmes book, or wear a yellow trench coat and bring props such as a magnifying glass and a notebook if you read Harriet the Spy.
If you want to get your classmates involved, you can explain the book's mystery to the other students, describing all the characters and clues, but be sure not to give the mystery away. Then, let everyone in the class try to solve the mystery. Be sure to bring candy for the students who guess the solution!
If you like art projects, you can make other props for your presentation, like a homemade wanted sign for the villain in the book.