The Great Shelby Holmes: Girl Detective
#1 in The Great Shelby Holmes Series
on Goodreads (1,319)
What’s inside...
Meet spunky sleuth Shelby and her sports-loving sidekick Watson as they take on a dog-napper in this fresh twist on Sherlock Holmes.
Shelby Holmes is not your average sixth grader. She’s nine years old, barely four feet tall, and the best detective her Harlem neighborhood has ever seen—always using logic and a bit of pluck (which yes, some might call “bossiness”) to solve the toughest crimes.
When eleven-year-old John Watson moves downstairs, Shelby finds something that’s eluded her up till now: a friend. Easy-going John isn’t sure of what to make of Shelby, but he soon finds himself her most-trusted (read: only) partner in a dog-napping case that'll take both their talents to crack.
Sherlock Holmes gets a fun, sweet twist with two irresistible young heroes and black & white illustrations throughout in this middle grade debut from internationally bestselling YA author Elizabeth Eulberg.
Character compass
Shelby Holmes
Tama
John Watson
Discussion points
What qualities make Shelby Holmes a good detective? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem like Shelby?
How do Shelby and her friend Watson work together to solve mysteries? What does this teach us about teamwork?
Shelby is very observant and notices small details. What are some details that Shelby noticed in the story that helped her solve the case?
How do the characters in the book show courage and determination? Can you share an instance when you felt brave?
What do you think is the most important lesson Shelby Holmes teaches us about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare themselves with Shelby or Watson, discussing similarities and differences in their problem-solving approaches.
Discuss the importance of observing and paying attention to details, just like Shelby does, and how it can be applied in day-to-day life.
Highlight the themes of teamwork and friendship in the book. Ask your child about their experiences with friends and how they solve conflicts.
Foster a conversation on courage and determination by discussing various instances in the book where characters faced challenges.
Relate the lessons from the book to real-life situations to help your child understand the practical applications of the virtues demonstrated in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Great Shelby Holmes: Girl Detective', Shelby Holmes and her friend Watson collaborate to solve mysteries, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on school projects or in sports, learning that cooperation can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity and differences
Explanation: Shelby and Watson come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, yet they form a strong partnership. This highlights the value of diverse perspectives and strengths.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to appreciate and embrace differences in others in their classrooms and playgrounds, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist, Shelby, uses her detective skills to solve puzzles and mysteries, offering a model for analytical thinking and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their own challenges and conflicts with a similar problem-solving approach, whether it's resolving a disagreement with a friend or tackling a difficult homework assignment.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Shelby learns the consequences of not being honest and the importance of being truthful to build trust in relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions and understand how it fosters trust and respect among friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: As Shelby tackles and solves complex cases, her confidence grows. This illustrates how taking on challenges can build self-assurance and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take on new challenges at school or in extracurricular activities, helping them to build confidence through their achievements and learnings.