Each Friday, I share the first chapter of a book perfect for middle grade readers—and today’s pick is a small-town mystery packed with secrets, suspicion, and twists you won’t see coming. If you like stories where everyone is a suspect, this one’s for you. It’s Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders!
Be sure to watch the entire video for two special features:
✨ a mystery quote reveal, shared one word at a time
✨ an author interview with Taryn Souders, where we talk about inspiration, clues, and crafting suspense
About the Book:
In the quiet southern town of Everson, not much ever happens. Goats can run for mayor, the mail is always late, and life feels… safe. Until thirteen-year-old Tucker discovers Miss Geraldine dead at the bottom of her stairs.
At first, it looks like an accident. But Tucker has a gift for noticing details others miss—and the details don’t add up. Miss Geraldine was cruel. Miss Geraldine was unhappy. And Miss Geraldine may have been murdered. As Tucker starts asking questions, he realizes something chilling: nearly everyone in town had a reason to want her dead. And in a place where gossip spreads faster than the truth, digging too deep might make Tucker the next “accident.”
✨ Teachers:
This First Chapter Friday is perfect for discussing inference, unreliable appearances, setting as a character, and how authors plant clues and red herrings. Great for mystery units and book clubs!
Get the companion worksheet here: COMING SOON
📺 First Chapter Friday Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
📝 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Engaging-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-8469855
Check out the Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
Music Credit: Amanda Zieba and Suno Pro (2026)
#FirstChapterFriday #SecretsOfTheBrokenHouse #TarynSouders #MiddleGradeMystery #MGLit #ReadAloud #AuthorInterview #MysteryBooksForKids #MiddleSchoolELA #BookTalk #Whodunit #ReadingEngagement #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #ReadersGonnaRead #MysteryQuote
Be sure to watch the entire video for two special features:
✨ a mystery quote reveal, shared one word at a time
✨ an author interview with Taryn Souders, where we talk about inspiration, clues, and crafting suspense
About the Book:
In the quiet southern town of Everson, not much ever happens. Goats can run for mayor, the mail is always late, and life feels… safe. Until thirteen-year-old Tucker discovers Miss Geraldine dead at the bottom of her stairs.
At first, it looks like an accident. But Tucker has a gift for noticing details others miss—and the details don’t add up. Miss Geraldine was cruel. Miss Geraldine was unhappy. And Miss Geraldine may have been murdered. As Tucker starts asking questions, he realizes something chilling: nearly everyone in town had a reason to want her dead. And in a place where gossip spreads faster than the truth, digging too deep might make Tucker the next “accident.”
✨ Teachers:
This First Chapter Friday is perfect for discussing inference, unreliable appearances, setting as a character, and how authors plant clues and red herrings. Great for mystery units and book clubs!
Get the companion worksheet here: COMING SOON
📺 First Chapter Friday Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
📝 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Engaging-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-8469855
Check out the Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
Music Credit: Amanda Zieba and Suno Pro (2026)
#FirstChapterFriday #SecretsOfTheBrokenHouse #TarynSouders #MiddleGradeMystery #MGLit #ReadAloud #AuthorInterview #MysteryBooksForKids #MiddleSchoolELA #BookTalk #Whodunit #ReadingEngagement #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #ReadersGonnaRead #MysteryQuote