Mysteries of Harris Burdick- Mystery Story Inspirations

We are beginning a new unit on "Mystery Writing" this week. Each student will choose one image from the "Mysteries of Harris Burdick" as inspiration for this writing assignment. Below, you will see several pictures from the "Mysteries of Harris Burdick." Choose one picture on which to base your mystery story. You will need to use the caption in your story.

Picture Title: The Third Floor Bedroom

 Caption:"It all began when someone left the window open..."

 Picture Title: The House on Maple

Caption: "It was the perfect lift off..."

 Picture Title: Missing the Venice

Caption: "Even with her mighty engines in reverse, the ocean liner was pulled further and further into the canal..."

 Picture Title: Oscar and Alphonse

Caption: "She knew it was time to send them back. The caterpillars softly wiggled in her hand, spelling out 'goodbye.' " 

 Picture Title: Uninvited Guests

Caption: "His heart was pounding. He was sure he had seen the doorknob move..."

 Picture Title: Archie Smith, Boy Wonder

Caption: "A tiny voiced asked, 'Is he the one?' "

 Picture Title: A Strange Day in July

Caption: "He threw with all his might, but the stone came skipping back..."

 Picture Title: The Seven Chairs

Caption: "The fifth one ended up in France..."

 Picture Title: The Harp

Caption: "So it's true, he thought, it's really true..."

 Picture Title: Another Place, Another Time

Caption: "If there was an answer, he'd find it there..."

Picture Title: Captain Tory

Caption: He swung his lantern three times and slowly the schooner appeared..."

Van, Allsburg Chris. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1984. Print.

Once you have chosen the image/caption you want to use, you will need to brainstorm for your story.  Use the "Mystery Story Brainstorm" handout to complete.