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Nancy Drew Mysteries

By Elizabeth Kennedy, About.com

What Makes Nancy Drew Books So Popular?
What is it that has made Nancy Drew such a popular character? When the books were first published, Nancy Drew represented a new kind of heroine: a bright, attractive, resourceful girl, capable of solving mysteries and taking care of herself. According to writer Mildred Wirt Benson, "...it seems to me that Nancy was popular, and remains so, primarily because she personifies the dream image which exists within most teenagers." The Nancy Drew books continue to be popular with 9-12 year olds.

Some of the boxed sets you might consider are:

  • Nancy Drew Starter Set, which includes The Secret of the Old Clock, The Hidden Staircase, The Bungalow Mystery, The Mystery at Lilac Inn, The Secret of Shadow Ranch, and The Secret of Red Gate Farm, (compare prices), and
  • Nancy Drew Girl Detective Sleuth Set, which includes Without a Trace, A Race Against Time, False Notes, and High Risk (compare prices).
If you like audiobooks, try Individual Nancy Drew books, such as The Case of the Creative Crime (compare prices) and The Baby-Sitter Burglaries (compare prices) are also available in hardbound and/or paperback editions.

Have you read any Nancy Drew books? Do you recommend them? Which version do you recommend: the original series, still available, or the updated version? There are pros and cons to each. Let me know by posting a message on the About Children's Books Forum.

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