These mystery-puzzles were originally conceived by Gilbert in 1984 as a classroom activity for students in his science classes at North Crawford School.   Encouraged to listen, think, communicate & cooperate, the kids loved it.  One eighth-grade student remarked, "Four-House Mysteries help you have fun using your knowledge in a creative way."  Soon the popular game was being marketed as an inter-disciplinary teaching tool, including language arts concepts, social studies and music, at different levels of difficulty, designed for grades 4-12.  

My version of the end --

Ron opened his eyes, surprised to find himself still alive.  His arm was broken, and he was pinned under a heavy roof beam, but he was still alive.  The pain made that perfectly clear.  Next to him, he felt Hermione's ragged breathing, though she was still unconscious.  He could see that she had also managed to protect herself against the force of the building's collapse, but the strain had finally exhausted her.

As the smoke and dust of Hogwarts' implosion died away, three figures could be seen standing amidst the rubble of what had been the Great Hall.

Harry.  Voldemort.  And was that - Neville?

Full Story for the end...

"Our performances may appear very free but there's actually a lot of work in fine-tuning compositions for improvisation," Guiliion explained.  "We'll share our approach by demonstrating how we evolve an idea into a finished performance."   Bravo!  Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and something cool to sip.  Library programs are free of charge & open to everyone.

The Summer Reading Program in Soldiers Grove is underway with a theme of mystery:  Get a Clue @ Your Library. We'll have Story Hour Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, for ages 4-8, from 11am - 12 noon.  Those who wish to keep track of time spent reading this summer can enter a weekly drawing for the popular, hand-painted t-shirts designed, once again, by Pat Gilbert.  Independent Readers can pick up a "Challenge Checklist" at the library & receive a prize or chance at winning a t-shirt for each completed activity.

The Library will host a "Four House" Family Mystery Evening, with award-winning science teacher, Russell Gilbert, on Thursday, July 26, at 7pm. This will be a fun, who-done-it? event for all ages.

And finally, the Library is very pleased to present Project FourthStream, with composer Bill Neil on piano and Tom Gullion on saxophones, in a Sunday afternoon Jazz workshop/concert outdoors in the courtyard behind the library.  On July 22, from 2 - 4pm, these world-class musicians will take us to the mysterious world of improvisational jazz.  Gullion comments:  "Our performances may appear very free but there's actually a lot of work in fine-tuning compositions for improvisation.  We'll share our approach by demonstrating how we evolve an idea into a finished performance."   Bravo!  Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and something cool to sip.  Library programs are free of charge & open to everyone and conveniently located on Solar Drive, Soldiers Grove.