Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Four adventurous friends solve mysteries in engaging tales.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In the BAILEY SCHOOL KIDS series, Liza, Howie, Melody, and Eddie find adventure wherever they are in Bailey City. They're sure their town is creepier than it seems, that there are mysteries to be solved, and that they're the ones to do it. From protecting their neighbors from a guy who is definitely a swamp monster and another who is an Abominable Snowman, to trying to find out the true identity of a karate instructor and more, these kids have their imaginations -- and feet -- constantly in motion.
Is It Any Good?
It's nice to see the studious kids portrayed not as nerdy know-it-alls but as friends who like school and like to do well. These kids are balanced by the friend who wants to leave all homework until the last minute, but whose kindness, humor, and great instincts save the day more than once. All of the Bailey School Kids have a place -- a great message to send to young readers who might not love school either.
The stories are fast-paced and the vocabulary won't challenge older readers very much, but the younger ones will like being able to read most of the book without needing much help, and will likely be engaged the whole time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how each of the Bailey School Kids has different skills and personality traits, and all are valued. Eddie and Howie approach school differently; is one portrayed as better or worse than the other?
Why do you think they don't check in with parents or other adults very often during their adventures?
What other adventure books have you read?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : John Steve Gurney
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Paperbacks
- Publication date : January 1, 1991
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 10
- Number of pages : 80
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate