About This Book
When your child is transitioning into more independent reading or starting a new extracurricular activity, reach for this classic mystery. This story follows the Bailey School kids as they encounter a new gymnastics teacher, Miss Brewbaker, who exhibits some very 'witchy' behavior. It addresses the natural curiosity and slightly overactive imaginations of young children as they navigate the school world. The book uses humor and suspense to explore how kids perceive authority figures and how they bond through shared secrets. It is a lighthearted choice that balances spooky fun with relatable school life, making it an excellent bridge for readers moving toward chapter books.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
An early elementary student (ages 6 to 9) who loves mysteries, has a vivid imagination, or is perhaps feeling a little intimidated by a new teacher or sports coach. It is perfect for kids who enjoy 'scooby-doo' style investigations.
Parent Prep
This book is a lighthearted mystery that does not require prior historical or thematic context.
Age Experience
Younger readers (6-7) will likely take the 'is she a witch?' question literally and enjoy the suspenseful clues, perhaps even looking for "magical" signs in the adults around them. Older readers (8-9) will appreciate the irony and the social dynamics between the four friends, recognizing that the kids' imaginations are running wild.
What Makes It Special
Part of the long-running Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series, this book excels at the 'maybe/maybe not' supernatural trope. It never confirms or denies the magic, leaving the mystery open for the reader to decide.
Read plot summary
The Bailey School kids (Eddie, Howie, Liza, and Melody) are starting gymnastics classes with a new instructor, Miss Brewbaker. However, they quickly notice odd details: she drinks a swampy green liquid, she has a black cat that follows her, and she makes strange rhymes while teaching. The kids become convinced she is a witch and spend the novel trying to gather proof while mastering their backflips.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The kids notice Miss Brewbaker does things differently than other teachers. Do you think she is actually a witch, or just a unique person? What makes you think so?
2
Eddie is often the first to jump to conclusions. Why do you think he is so sure she's a witch, and how does his opinion change the way his friends see her?
3
Liza is a bit more cautious than the others. How would you feel if you were in her gymnastics class?
4
What were some of the 'clues' the kids found? Could there be a non-magical explanation for things like the green health drink or the black cat?
5
If you were Miss Brewbaker and you found out your students thought you were a witch, what would you say to them?
