Some say they sparked the discoveries and settlement of California. We call them a GIGANTIC history lesson! This comprehensive guide enhances the many dramatic learning opportunities students can gain from reading The Mystery on the California Mission Trail by Carole Marsh. INCLUDES: A chapter guide of additional information, trivia, historical facts, and more to help teachers be "experts" on California history, Spanish missions, Father Junipero Serra, the Spanish language, and more! Activity ideas that make the book come dramatically to life for young readers! The author's additional comments and thoughts about missions, California, preservation, history, and more! Additional information on geography, mathematics, writing, science, art, and more! Reproducible activities for math, art, history, writing, geography, spelling, and much more! Great out-of-the-box ideas like a California Missions Map, rewriting a new mystery ending, and much more!