Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20)
by Alexander Steele
Gareth Stevens Pub. 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- truth and integrity
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- community
- media and journalism
- perseverance
- responsibility
About this book
When a hot scoop goes missing from the Oakdale school newspaper, Joe, Sam, and their trusty dog Wishbone sniff out clues to uncover who’s trying to stop the story. Wishbone imagines himself as a hard-charging reporter and detective, adding humor and heart to the investigation. Short chapters, steady suspense, and plenty of red herrings make this a fun pick for mystery lovers in upper elementary and middle grades. Fans of sleuthing with a loyal canine companion will especially enjoy it.
Setting: Oakdale, Texas; school and local community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20) right for my child?
Yes — Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20) is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, truth and integrity, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20) takes around 2.4h to finish. The book has 21,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20) has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20)?
Case of the Breaking Story (Wishbone Mysteries, 20) has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.