Module 9: Herculeah Jones: The Black Tower

Summary

Herculeah Jones has a knack for detective work, even if it gets her in trouble. In this book by Betsy Byars, Herculeah uncovers the secret of the black tower at the "Haunt Mansion," as she and her friends at school call it. Her mother, a private detective, requests of Herculeah that she go read to Mr. Hunt, a lonely man who cannot move, speak, or communicate other than by batting his eyes. Engrossed in the mystery surrounding this man and his home, Herculeah vows to uncover the truth. In the end, she discovers the real identity of the nurse taking care of Mr. Hunt, saves the real nurse, and discovers what really happened that fateful day at the Hunt House when the governess died.

Personal Impressions:

This story, geared toward upper elementary students, is entertaining, interesting, and suspenseful. From the first pages when a story is being told of a young girl who is climbing the stairs knowing something horrible is awaiting her to the end when all is revealed, it is full of good stuff that will entice any upper elementary reader. As an adult, the book is a little predictable and cheesy, but the targeted audience is not adults. When I was a kid, I loved books by Betsy Byars; she was one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed this book and think upper elementary girls especially would enjoy it, too.

Professional Review

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6–Herculeah is back in another exciting adventure. Here, she is reading to her mother's friend, a lonely stroke victim who cannot speak, and becomes involved in a family feud and mystery involving money and murder. Against her friend Meat's better judgment, she keeps going back to the house and puts her own life in danger. A fast-paced plot and well-developed, likable characters keep readers turning pages. Fans of the series as well as those new to it will enjoy the suspense that Byars is so famous for building.–Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Library Uses

This would be a good read aloud where the librarian reads a chapter to the students and asks them to make inferences about what is going to happen. He/She could pair with the ELAR teacher to evaluate student responses to questions such as "What do you think will happen next?" and "Why do you think Herculeah can't stay away from the story behind the black tower?" Mysteries are great for making inferences. It would also be a good way to sell students on this particular genre. If the librarian was to pair with the art teacher, she could read the book while the art teacher has the students design their own tower. 

References

Byars, B. (2007). Herculeah Jones: The black tower. New York, NY: Penguin Group.

Tokarz, K. (2006). Reviews: Herculeah Jones: The black tower. Retrieved 15 November 2012: www.schoollibraryjournal.com