How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage?
by Linda Bailey
Puffin 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- resourcefulness
- problem-solving
- courage
- curiosity
- responsibility
- humor
About this book
Stevie Diamond would rather solve mysteries than do homework, so starting a detective agency with her best friend sounds perfect. When a local crime hits close to home, the duo digs through trash, follows oddball leads, and turns everyday places into clue-filled crime scenes. Fast-paced and funny, the story blends real-kid problems with a twisty whodunit. Ideal for middle graders who enjoy humor, quick-thinking heroes, and mysteries that invite readers to sleuth along.
Setting: contemporary Vancouver, British Columbia (1990s), in neighborhoods, schools, and city streets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage? right for my child?
Yes — How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage? 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, teamwork, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage? takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage? have an AR quiz?
Yes — How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage? 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 How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage??
How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage? 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.