About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is caught in the awkward transition between childhood comforts and the desire for adult independence. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like a 'fake' or is hiding a secret insecurity, like a security blanket or a stuffed animal, while trying to project confidence to the world. Set in Greenwich Village, the story follows twelve year old George, who believes he can only perform music successfully when his old teddy bear is hidden nearby. As George gets tangled up with a group of shady characters and a jewelry heist, the narrative explores themes of self worth, the pressure of parental expectations, and the realization that bravery comes from within. It is a humorous, fast paced mystery that validates the messy process of growing up. Parents will appreciate how it handles the nuances of shame and the eventual discovery of one's own voice without being overly sentimental.
