About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the heavier sides of family life, such as the weight of high expectations, the ache of grief, or the feeling of being trapped by circumstances. Set in a masterfully atmospheric Victorian London, the story follows three children: two impoverished puppet assistants and one lonely, wealthy girl: whose lives collide in a dark, magical mystery. It explores the masks we wear to hide our pain and the courage required to break free from manipulative figures. While the tone is gothic and suspenseful, it provides a safe space for middle schoolers to process complex emotions like guilt and the desire for belonging. It is an ideal choice for mature young readers who appreciate rich vocabulary and stories that do not shy away from the shadows of the human experience.
