Car Crimes: An A-Z PI Mystery

TEACHERS' NOTES

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"CAR-CRIMES: THE 2ND A~Z PI MYSTERY"
Another Aussie 'Famous-Five'

Book 2 of a series that involves crimes committed and solved by children.

A~Z PIs
STUDENT DETECTIVE AGENCY
ANNA SIMPSON
ZACH SANTISI
M

Who is stealing car insignias in Shortland Shopping Mall?

When Taylor Ferrini, a Grevillea College student and the fourth member of the 'Zoo' gang, is accused of stealing luxury car insignias from Shortland Mall's multi-story car-park, and in the process injuring a security guard, Anna and Zach, and their friends –Ruby the Wrestler, Brett the apprentice journalist and M, the rat- are asked to help prove his innocence.

Amongst the suspects are the trio known as the 'Zoos' presently held responsible by the police, the three 'Emos', the pretty - if thoroughly terrifying - Radman twins, and their older brother the graffiti artist Bro Radman, some strip-shop owners, and the victims themselves.

Based on actual crimes committed by youngsters, this is the second in the series featuring Anna and Zach, Private Eyes (A~ZPI) And similar to their last adventure, only when their lives are in serious danger do these young detectives solve the crime.

Themes and Issues

The main theme of this story is how youngsters can use their own intelligence and determination to solve mysteries and prevent crimes. Other themes that can be found in the story are friendship, loyalty and the struggle to overcome problems at home and at school.

The Inspiration for this Story

This story was inspired by a real-life report:
"Teenager charged with stealing car insignias"

"A 15-year-old male was today charged with stealing car insignias and selling them on eBay. Police will allege that between May and June numerous offences occurred. Most of the incidents happened during the early hours of the morning while the car owners slept. After an extensive investigation, at about 9.50 yesterday the police attended a house and arrested the 15-year-old responsible. He was taken to the Police Station and charged with six counts of stealing from motor vehicles. He was refused bail and will appear before Children's Court. Inquiries are continuing."

Comprehension Questions

In your own words describe Zach, Anna and the others who make up this 'famous five'.
How come some car insignias are different from ordinary ones? Why are they so valuable?
In these notes, the author has only given a brief outline of the story. Can you flesh them out for someone who doesn't have time to read the novel?
Zach sees everyone he meets as resembling some kind of animal. Can you find any examples?
Why is Anna so keen to solve this crime?
Why is Zach reluctant to help her? Why doesn't this work?
How does M, Zach's tame rat, help solve the crime?
List some of Anna and Zach's suspects. What motive does each suspect have for vandalising expensive cars?
The PIs often get into trouble with the adults they are following. How does this make it extra hard for them to solve the crime?
Why don't Ruby and Anna get along? What can you do to help matters along if your two best friends don't like each other?
Some of the people in this story have unusual passions and hobbies. Can you list them?
Would the story have been different if it was told in the third person (using 'he' and 'she' instead of 'I')? What if Anna was telling it? How might she describe Zach?
Have you read any of Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' stories? If so, how do these differ from hers?
Do you enjoy reading several books, known as a series, about characters you have already met? If so why or why not?
Why, in your opinion, do boys and men find cars so appealing? Do you think this interest also applies to girls and women? Give your opinions on this.

Research Activities

Draw a map of your own neighbourhood. Show built-up areas, parks, reserves, shopping centres, farms and/or uncultivated bush. Are any of these areas susceptible to car vandalism and theft?
Research car vandals and the damage they inflict. Write a short report on your findings.
Survey crime and crime rates in your suburb or area. How many crimes are committed by young people? What sort of crimes are usually committed by these youngsters? How would you convince people to care more for other people's property?
The middle of the book consists of clues, dead ends and false trails. Draw a graph tracking what Anna and Zach do, the clues they find and the false trails they follow. (The high points on your graph should represent the more exciting scenes, and the low points should represent the more everyday scenes.) Label each point on your graph.
Research three different types of animal that Zach keeps as a pet. (One of these should be a rat, like M.) What are some unusual animals people keep as pets? What happens to the animals when people get tired of looking after them? Put together a short power-point presentation to share your findings with the class.
Research the kind of punishments that young people who commit crimes are given. Do you think these punishments are appropriate? If you were the judge, what would you do?

Creative Response

Imagine that you have discovered a crime (not a murder). For this crime create a list of suspects and their motives. Write down the steps you would have to take to investigate these suspects. Decide what punishment you think is most appropriate for this crime.
Zach often describes people in a humorous way. Unlike 'Hedgeburners', which is the 1st of this series, there are no accompanying illustrations. Instead pick one or two characters and sketch or draw a picture of them. Try to make these pictures funny.
The front cover shows a scene where Zach and Anna are pictured in a car-park where the walls are covered in graffiti. The couple are standing in front of a red car. Why do you think this picture was chosen? Do you think it helps to make the story look exciting? Design an alternative cover for the book, thinking about how you will make it look exciting, so that people will want to read the book.

Writing Activities

Pretend you are Anna or Zach and write a letter to the police arguing that you have as much right as they have, or any grown-up for that matter, to help solve a crime.
Imagine yourself as a detective. List some of the types of crimes you would like to solve and the equipment you would use to help in your investigations. Draw up a table and write down the positives and negatives of being a detective.
Think of an area in your neighbourhood where cars can be easily vandalised. Imagine that you are walking past this place. Describe the cars, the vandals and what you could do to get help.

Topics to Debate

That cars don't need to wear expensive insignias.
That detective work is far too dangerous for children, and should be left to the police.

Copies available from www.bookpod.com.au and Goldie Alexander.