The Baby-Sitter Burglaries (Nancy Drew Mysteries Book 129)
#129 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (518)
What’s inside...
In 'The Baby-Sitter Burglaries,' part of the Nancy Drew Mystery series, Nancy Drew takes on a case involving a series of burglaries targeting families while they are out and their teenage babysitters are in charge. The thieves are not only stealing valuables but also leaving the sitters tied up and gagged. As Nancy investigates, she discovers that the crimes may be linked to a larger scheme. With her usual determination and resourcefulness, Nancy works to track down the culprits, uncover their motives, and ensure the safety of the community's babysitters. Throughout the book, Nancy faces various challenges and must use her sleuthing skills to piece together the clues and solve the mystery before the burglars strike again.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Discussion points
Why do you think Nancy decided to take on the case of the baby-sitter burglaries?
How did Nancy show bravery and intelligence throughout her investigation?
In what ways do the characters in the story help each other solve the mystery?
What are some important clues that Nancy finds that help her solve the burglary cases? How does she piece these clues together?
How would you have handled the situation if you were in Nancy's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make Nancy a good detective, discussing her attention to detail and perseverance.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at several points in the book to enhance inferential thinking skills.
After finishing the book, have a conversation about honesty and integrity, discussing how the characters in the book displayed these traits.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book, and relate it to real-life situations in family, school, or sports.
Use a map to trace Nancy’s journey and discuss the different settings within the book to build geographical knowledge.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout 'The Baby-Sitter Burglaries', Nancy Drew demonstrates keen problem-solving skills as she follows clues and solves the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques in their daily challenges, be it in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: In the book, characters face consequences for dishonest behaviors, reinforcing the importance of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of honesty in their own lives, helping them build trust and strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: Nancy faces various challenges and dangers but remains courageous and persistent until she solves the case.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and not give up when they encounter obstacles, applying this resilience to school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for law and order
Explanation: Respect for the law is a central theme as the characters work within legal boundaries to solve the crime.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of respecting rules which can guide children to better understand their role within their community and school.