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Bessledorf Mysteries #8
Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry
When he sees posters warning the local residents of the Indiana Aztec bats and hears the church bells play an unusual hymn over and over again, Bernie knows that something isnÆt right and so gathers his friends to solve the mystery.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2003
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
210 books1,039 followersPhyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in Anderson, Indiana, US on January 4, 1933.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 9, 2015
Personal Response:
I really liked the mystery and suspense of this book! There was always so much excitement going on because of either the loud, annoying church bells or because of the supposed Aztec bats that were going to invade Middleburg. There was the mystery of who put up the signs around town warning about the dangerous bats and their "deadly" bites. Once Bernie discovered there were bats that had flown into his father's hotel, him and his brave friends went to figure out where they were and where they were coming from. I think kids who enjoy mystery would really like this book, and it's not too scary and would not give kids nightmares, unlike "Doll in the Garden."
Purposes/Use in the Classroom:
Read Aloud
-This would be a good, fun book to read aloud! This is something one could read before or during a unit about nocturnal animals, such as bats. This book talks about a specific type of bat so the students could learn about different types of bats and where they habituate normally. One way they could possibly try to solve the mystery is do research on the Aztec bat and see what time of climate they live it and if they could survive in this town.
Independent Reading
-This is a good book to independently read for kids from 3rd-4th grade. The excitement and involvement in this book definitely is similar to enthusiasm that kids of that age have. If there is a student who really has an interest in bats (maybe a student with autism because they usually have one subject they absolutely LOVE! and it could be bats) the teacher could suggest this book to them to read.
Literary elements
-This book could teach about symbolism. Some strong symbols in this book are the church bells that always ding and the suspicious bats. This induces deeper thinking about objects in the book to make connections and discover symbols and meanings. One could ask why the author decided to add the symbols and what messages were trying to be given?
Other as Appropriate:
-Some diverse perspectives in this book were the unique perspectives of everyone who lived in the town and what each individual though about the constant dinging of the church bells and the approaching storm of bats! There was debate over these two news breaking topics. The teacher could ask the students what they would do if they lived in Middleburg and this situation was happening to them and why they would do that.
I really liked the mystery and suspense of this book! There was always so much excitement going on because of either the loud, annoying church bells or because of the supposed Aztec bats that were going to invade Middleburg. There was the mystery of who put up the signs around town warning about the dangerous bats and their "deadly" bites. Once Bernie discovered there were bats that had flown into his father's hotel, him and his brave friends went to figure out where they were and where they were coming from. I think kids who enjoy mystery would really like this book, and it's not too scary and would not give kids nightmares, unlike "Doll in the Garden."
Purposes/Use in the Classroom:
Read Aloud
-This would be a good, fun book to read aloud! This is something one could read before or during a unit about nocturnal animals, such as bats. This book talks about a specific type of bat so the students could learn about different types of bats and where they habituate normally. One way they could possibly try to solve the mystery is do research on the Aztec bat and see what time of climate they live it and if they could survive in this town.
Independent Reading
-This is a good book to independently read for kids from 3rd-4th grade. The excitement and involvement in this book definitely is similar to enthusiasm that kids of that age have. If there is a student who really has an interest in bats (maybe a student with autism because they usually have one subject they absolutely LOVE! and it could be bats) the teacher could suggest this book to them to read.
Literary elements
-This book could teach about symbolism. Some strong symbols in this book are the church bells that always ding and the suspicious bats. This induces deeper thinking about objects in the book to make connections and discover symbols and meanings. One could ask why the author decided to add the symbols and what messages were trying to be given?
Other as Appropriate:
-Some diverse perspectives in this book were the unique perspectives of everyone who lived in the town and what each individual though about the constant dinging of the church bells and the approaching storm of bats! There was debate over these two news breaking topics. The teacher could ask the students what they would do if they lived in Middleburg and this situation was happening to them and why they would do that.
April 14, 2015
I liked this book a lot. It had a lot of humor in it and I think it would appeal to young readers for its crazy story line. I like this book because it is funny to imagine a bunch of bats terrorizing a town and stirring up so much trouble, because I have never heard of that happening before!
I would choose this for an independent reading book for 4th and 5th grade. I think the comical story of bats and church bells driving a town crazy would attract students because it is a setting they could imagine themselves in and what they would do to solve the mystery. Also, mystery tends to be a popular genre amongst young readers because of the curiosity that is naturally developing as they grow and learn. They can imagine they are Bernie Magruder and a clever strategy that they would use in order to get themselves out of this situation. This would be a good book for students to read and present to the class on or do a project over. It utilizes their imagination, writing skills, and much more.
I would read this aloud to a 4th or 5th grade class. I would read this book mostly for enjoyment so probably during down time in the class or right after lunch to ease them back into class time.
I would use this book to teach vocabulary. They use very interesting diction to describe these bats that are in the hotel and you can almost picture the craziness that is ensuing within the town. I would use this book to show students how your word choice can affect the mood, theme, or plot of a story.
I would choose this for an independent reading book for 4th and 5th grade. I think the comical story of bats and church bells driving a town crazy would attract students because it is a setting they could imagine themselves in and what they would do to solve the mystery. Also, mystery tends to be a popular genre amongst young readers because of the curiosity that is naturally developing as they grow and learn. They can imagine they are Bernie Magruder and a clever strategy that they would use in order to get themselves out of this situation. This would be a good book for students to read and present to the class on or do a project over. It utilizes their imagination, writing skills, and much more.
I would read this aloud to a 4th or 5th grade class. I would read this book mostly for enjoyment so probably during down time in the class or right after lunch to ease them back into class time.
I would use this book to teach vocabulary. They use very interesting diction to describe these bats that are in the hotel and you can almost picture the craziness that is ensuing within the town. I would use this book to show students how your word choice can affect the mood, theme, or plot of a story.
April 14, 2015
Personal Reaction- I really enjoyed this book. I thought the book was funny, myself, so I think that students would find it funny as well. The storyline was humorous because it makes us think of what would happen if bats started taking over our towns.
Independent Reading- This book is probably best fitted for younger to middle grades, maybe third to fourth grade. Again the storyline is so humorous that students would be intrigued to find out how the issues are resolved.
Read aloud-I also think that this could be a book that is read aloud and capable of having a discussion over. This book would be good to ask students to put themselves in the main character's shoes and ask them how they would react if they were living in this same town. You could even have student brainstorm how they would try to solve this problem and share what their solutions would be.
Literary Elements-This is a good book to show how genres of books are important. the mystery genre is one that I was always eager to read when I was growing up because you never knew what was going to happen and I think that is where the fun comes into play. Students will be excited to read this story to see how the mystery is solved.
Curriculum Connection- You can have students role play with the methods they brainstormed for how to solve their problems. They can use whatever items are needed, props, scripts, art, etc. This would be a fun way for students to engage in the story but also be able to contribute with their own ideas.
Independent Reading- This book is probably best fitted for younger to middle grades, maybe third to fourth grade. Again the storyline is so humorous that students would be intrigued to find out how the issues are resolved.
Read aloud-I also think that this could be a book that is read aloud and capable of having a discussion over. This book would be good to ask students to put themselves in the main character's shoes and ask them how they would react if they were living in this same town. You could even have student brainstorm how they would try to solve this problem and share what their solutions would be.
Literary Elements-This is a good book to show how genres of books are important. the mystery genre is one that I was always eager to read when I was growing up because you never knew what was going to happen and I think that is where the fun comes into play. Students will be excited to read this story to see how the mystery is solved.
Curriculum Connection- You can have students role play with the methods they brainstormed for how to solve their problems. They can use whatever items are needed, props, scripts, art, etc. This would be a fun way for students to engage in the story but also be able to contribute with their own ideas.
April 15, 2015
Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry was a good book because it showed the perspective of a young child who sets out on a mission with his friends to stop the ringing of the bells in their town and to solve the bat problem. Along the way, they find out that the bats in the belfry are actually not real, but they are a cover up by the son of a wealthy women, in order for him to ensure that he gets his money. This book is good for children because it is told through the eyes of a child and will keep readers on their toes to see what him and his friends will do next.
This book would work great for a read aloud if talking to third through fourth grade students about working together or using teamwork to accomplish things that they might not be able to accomplish on their own. As an independent read, this book would be a great suggestion for a student who has a particular interest in stories involving mystery. This book can be used to teach about the literary element of conflict. There are many conflicts throughout the book such as the fact that there a flyers placed around Middleburg warning the people of a rare bat that is poisonous. This would be a great opportunity to talk about conflict between person and person because the bats were made up by one man in order to scare the people in the town. There is also diversity in this book within Bernie and his family's living situation. They live in a hotel, which can provide the opportunity for a teacher to talk to students about how not everyone has the same type of home life.
This book would work great for a read aloud if talking to third through fourth grade students about working together or using teamwork to accomplish things that they might not be able to accomplish on their own. As an independent read, this book would be a great suggestion for a student who has a particular interest in stories involving mystery. This book can be used to teach about the literary element of conflict. There are many conflicts throughout the book such as the fact that there a flyers placed around Middleburg warning the people of a rare bat that is poisonous. This would be a great opportunity to talk about conflict between person and person because the bats were made up by one man in order to scare the people in the town. There is also diversity in this book within Bernie and his family's living situation. They live in a hotel, which can provide the opportunity for a teacher to talk to students about how not everyone has the same type of home life.
Read
April 10, 20151. Personal Reaction:
Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry is a hilarious and entertaining novel that is sure to keep children wanting to read through the book in one sitting. This novel involves three kids who are on a mission to save Middleburg from the supposed bats that are coming through the town. It is up to Bernie and his two friends to save his dad's hotel from bat invasion and keep the customers happy. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor allows the reader to relate to Bernie and his friends, and feel as though they are on the mission as well.
2. Purposes/use in the classroom:
-Read aloud to make a curricular connection: After reading this novel, students can do a research project on various bat species for a research assignment.
-Independent reading: Grades 3-4; this novel is sure to entertain any young reader with its delightful and exciting story. Students will want to read the other amusing books about Bernie Magruder after reading this.
-Literary elements that could be taught using the book: The theme of friendship is the perfect thing to teach students in grades 3 and 4. When reading this novel, students are able to understand the importance of friendship as well as a strong community that overcomes its problems and works together.
Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry is a hilarious and entertaining novel that is sure to keep children wanting to read through the book in one sitting. This novel involves three kids who are on a mission to save Middleburg from the supposed bats that are coming through the town. It is up to Bernie and his two friends to save his dad's hotel from bat invasion and keep the customers happy. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor allows the reader to relate to Bernie and his friends, and feel as though they are on the mission as well.
2. Purposes/use in the classroom:
-Read aloud to make a curricular connection: After reading this novel, students can do a research project on various bat species for a research assignment.
-Independent reading: Grades 3-4; this novel is sure to entertain any young reader with its delightful and exciting story. Students will want to read the other amusing books about Bernie Magruder after reading this.
-Literary elements that could be taught using the book: The theme of friendship is the perfect thing to teach students in grades 3 and 4. When reading this novel, students are able to understand the importance of friendship as well as a strong community that overcomes its problems and works together.
April 10, 2015
I enjoyed reading Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. In my opinion, I find mystery novels to be exciting and it is rare that I get bored reading one because they typically keep me on my toes. Bernie Magruder was a fun read because it had been awhile since i have read a mystery novel.
Bernie Magruder and his friends are determined to figure out why these dangerous bats have flown into their town from South America. They also take it upon themselves to try and fix the church bells, which has been the talk of the town because every hour they clank out "Abide with me". Because this is a chapter book for the upper elementary grade levels, I would suggest this book as an independent read when discussing problem solving in the classroom. This story teaches children the importance of working together towards a common goal (fixing the bells and bat problem). It would also be good to go in depth about conflict-becausee you could discuss the different types of conflict in this story. Other important literary elements in this story is the setting, because is it really realistic that bats have flown in from South America? Another important element is plot: especially because towards the end of the story there is a plot twist.
Bernie Magruder and his friends are determined to figure out why these dangerous bats have flown into their town from South America. They also take it upon themselves to try and fix the church bells, which has been the talk of the town because every hour they clank out "Abide with me". Because this is a chapter book for the upper elementary grade levels, I would suggest this book as an independent read when discussing problem solving in the classroom. This story teaches children the importance of working together towards a common goal (fixing the bells and bat problem). It would also be good to go in depth about conflict-becausee you could discuss the different types of conflict in this story. Other important literary elements in this story is the setting, because is it really realistic that bats have flown in from South America? Another important element is plot: especially because towards the end of the story there is a plot twist.
September 11, 2014
this book is a desent book.this book is about a bat dangoues bat that they never seen and they said that it could bit you. But there is a other problem that the town has church bells that ring every hour. so they are trying to take thoes bells down but some people want to stay up so they are going to vote on if they should keep them up or not.
March 7, 2016
A mystery, sort of, set whimsically in a small town, old-fashioned America. It's got just a touch of Homer Price to it, with quirky characters that will confuse beginning readers. Still, not too long, funny, and finally satisfying.
May 3, 2009
To be fair, I abandoned this one once the 4th Grade Booko Discussion passed. It was just okay. Not really a series I am eager to revisit, thoguh some of my students did enjoy it.
July 13, 2009
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May 24, 2022All I remember about this story is that Santa was the culprit. XD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
This is a middle grade novel - a good mystery-type story - with humour.
August 11, 2009
Oh my, I guess if you like idioms you might like it. Tiresome...... Why did I read this?
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews