About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to express a desire for more independence or asking how they can make a difference in their own community. It is an ideal choice for the middle-schooler who enjoys solving puzzles and wants to see models of peer-led initiative and civic responsibility. The story follows Mary Louise and her friends as they organize a local movement to support their country during a time of crisis, emphasizing that young people have the agency to effect change through collaboration and persistence. While written over a century ago, the core emotional themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pride of accomplishment remain deeply relevant. It offers a gentle but engaging mystery that avoids the darker edges of modern thrillers, making it a safe yet stimulating read. Parents will appreciate how it frames 'justice' and 'fairness' not just as abstract concepts, but as values that require active work and community participation.
