How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit?
by Linda Bailey
Scholastic 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- friendship
- problem-solving
- courage
- resourcefulness
- independence
- family
- humor
About this book
Stevie Diamond wants to be a detective, but her plans get complicated when she’s stuck babysitting. When something suspicious happens in her neighborhood, Stevie and her best friend can’t resist following the clues—toting the baby along for the ride. Packed with humor, close calls, and clever problem-solving, this mystery shows how responsibility and adventure can go hand in hand. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced sleuthing with a laugh.
Setting: contemporary Vancouver, Canada, 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit? right for my child?
Yes — How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit? is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 responsibility, friendship, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit? takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit? have an AR quiz?
Yes — How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit? has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit??
How can I be a detective if I have to baby-sit? has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.