About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the complexities of adult life, the nature of secrets, and whether a person's past should define their future. It is a sophisticated choice for middle schoolers who are moving beyond simple 'good vs. evil' narratives and starting to appreciate the nuances of social identity and the grit of real-world history. The story follows a Victorian thief who uses a traumatic injury as a catalyst to reinvent himself, alternating between the life of a refined gentleman and his original identity in the criminal underworld. While it addresses themes of crime and deception, it does so with a keen eye on resilience and the power of education. It is an excellent bridge for readers who enjoy history but want a fast-paced, high-stakes plot that challenges their moral compass. Parents will appreciate the way it highlights the stark class divides of the 19th century while providing a page-turning mystery.
