Someone Was Watching is a suspenseful reading comprehension activity for grades 5–8, designed to engage reluctant readers through a high-interest mystery.

This resource includes a comprehension test and a creative “Wanted Poster” project to reinforce understanding and critical thinking.

ABOUT THE STORY:

Someone Was Watching - by award winning YA author David Patneaude - is a gripping mystery novel that is easy enough for 5th graders to read, but it has a high interest level that also appeals to 7th and 8th graders. Chris Barton's family is shattered when his little sister Molly apparently has drowned and been swept down the river. But is she really gone? Chris believes he has found a clue that she is alive. He and his best friend go on a brave journey to find the truth.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Reading comprehension test (25 minutes or less)

• “Wanted Poster” project (creative extension activity)

• Higher-order thinking and analysis

• Amazon Link to Book (not included in download; must be purchased separately)

  
  

WHY THIS RESOURCE WORKS:

• High-interest mystery appeals to middle school readers

• Accessible for grades 5–8, including struggling readers

• Encourages both comprehension and creativity

• Great balance of literacy + project-based learning

LENGTH AND AGE LEVEL:

This resource is based on the novel Someone Was Watching by David Patneaude (book not included). The book is 224 pages, but it is a fairly quick read. It should take the average 7th grader 3-4 hours to read. The test takes 25 minutes or less. The 'Wanted Poster' project should take less than and hour.

PERFECT FOR:

• Independent reading assignments

• Literature units

• Sub plans

• Literacy intervention

• Project-based learning activities

MATURITY OR OTHER ISSUES: Parents should be aware that in the plot of the book, little Molly has been kidnapped. However, there is NO ABUSE of any kind. The couple that took her had lost their only child years before, and they desperately wanted a replacement for their child. Obviously, this is a criminal act and it is treated as such in the book. Teenage Chris uses courage and cleverness to find his sister's whereabouts and bring her home. The book has a happy ending. There is no sex, violence, or politics in the book.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: This book was published in the 1990's, before most people had access to the internet. Chris and his friend have to use paper maps, library resources, and telephone operators to track down the couple they want to find. It is interesting to see the resourcefulness of the boys in this pre-internet era.