Bibliography
Raskin, E. (1978). The westing game. New York: E. P. Dutton.
185 pages
Plot
Six rooms are available at the Sunset Towers apartment building. Six people and their families are chosen to be given rooms within the apartment by the Westing Estate: Mrs. Baumbach, the Theodorakis Family, Sydelle Pulaski, the Westler Family, the Hoo Family and J. J. Ford. Samuel W. Westing, the creator of the Westing Paper Product Corporation is a recluse said either to be living in the Westing Estate or dead for some years. However on Halloween night when 13 year-old Turtle is dared to stay in the haunted estate she sees a body. Samuel W. Westing is found dead in the house the next morning. Who killed Samuel W. Westing?
Review
Ellen Raskin’s The Westing Game is an interesting whodunit, smart, interesting, and still fresh today. Told in the third person, the novel looks at the experiences of each niece and nephew, but especially that of Turtle Wexler, a precocious adolescent. It is interesting that a book which includes so many different characters of various ages still appeals to a tween audience. However, it is Raskin’s ability to present each character with a quirk that adds to the humor of the book as well as their interpretation of the will that provides the appeal. Wonderfully written, the book retains its style despite being written over 30 years ago.
Genre
Mystery
Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would most appeal to readers in grades 5 – 7.
Similar Content
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Other Ellen Raskin Novels
Personal thoughts
I had never read The Westing Game, however I have heard of it. I decided to read it after seeing how much Jaqueline Luna enjoyed the book, and I have to say, I loved it. The book has a wonderful puzzle mystery, and having read the end I immediately went back to the first chapter to see indeed, the author left all the clues in place. To me, it would be a great book to read aloud.
Subjects/themes:
Prejudice
Death
Social Class
Puzzle
Family Life
Apartment Living
Awards
Newbery Award Winner
Series information
No sequels.
Character names/descriptions
Turtle Wexler: A young girl living with her mother and father in the Sunset Towers. She will kick anyone who pulls on her pigtails.
Samuel W. Westing: The creator of the Westing Paper Products Corporation Empire. Reclusive millionaire, whose death implicates all of the heirs living in the Sunset Towers.
Sandy: The doorman of Sunset Towers, is a friendly man who often has good things to say and help people with. Was fired by Samuel W. Westing when he tried to organize a labor union.
Annotation
Sixteen people, eight different clues and one dead millionaire. Who killed Samuel W. Westing?
Raskin, E. (1978). The westing game. New York: E. P. Dutton.
185 pages
Plot
Six rooms are available at the Sunset Towers apartment building. Six people and their families are chosen to be given rooms within the apartment by the Westing Estate: Mrs. Baumbach, the Theodorakis Family, Sydelle Pulaski, the Westler Family, the Hoo Family and J. J. Ford. Samuel W. Westing, the creator of the Westing Paper Product Corporation is a recluse said either to be living in the Westing Estate or dead for some years. However on Halloween night when 13 year-old Turtle is dared to stay in the haunted estate she sees a body. Samuel W. Westing is found dead in the house the next morning. Who killed Samuel W. Westing?
Review
Ellen Raskin’s The Westing Game is an interesting whodunit, smart, interesting, and still fresh today. Told in the third person, the novel looks at the experiences of each niece and nephew, but especially that of Turtle Wexler, a precocious adolescent. It is interesting that a book which includes so many different characters of various ages still appeals to a tween audience. However, it is Raskin’s ability to present each character with a quirk that adds to the humor of the book as well as their interpretation of the will that provides the appeal. Wonderfully written, the book retains its style despite being written over 30 years ago.
Genre
Mystery
Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would most appeal to readers in grades 5 – 7.
Similar Content
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Other Ellen Raskin Novels
Personal thoughts
I had never read The Westing Game, however I have heard of it. I decided to read it after seeing how much Jaqueline Luna enjoyed the book, and I have to say, I loved it. The book has a wonderful puzzle mystery, and having read the end I immediately went back to the first chapter to see indeed, the author left all the clues in place. To me, it would be a great book to read aloud.
Subjects/themes:
Prejudice
Death
Social Class
Puzzle
Family Life
Apartment Living
Awards
Newbery Award Winner
Series information
No sequels.
Character names/descriptions
Turtle Wexler: A young girl living with her mother and father in the Sunset Towers. She will kick anyone who pulls on her pigtails.
Samuel W. Westing: The creator of the Westing Paper Products Corporation Empire. Reclusive millionaire, whose death implicates all of the heirs living in the Sunset Towers.
Sandy: The doorman of Sunset Towers, is a friendly man who often has good things to say and help people with. Was fired by Samuel W. Westing when he tried to organize a labor union.
Annotation
Sixteen people, eight different clues and one dead millionaire. Who killed Samuel W. Westing?
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