About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the difference between rules and what is morally right. It is an excellent choice for pre-teens who are becoming more aware of social justice issues and the complexities of the adult world. The story follows eleven-year-old Lesley as she discovers a secret: the neighbors are hiding a young refugee who has entered the country illegally. Lesley must navigate a difficult emotional landscape as she moves from feeling like an outsider to becoming a brave ally. The book explores themes of empathy, the ethics of law-breaking for a greater good, and the weight of keeping a secret. It provides a safe space for parents to discuss global issues like immigration through the lens of a personal, high-stakes mystery. This is a thoughtful, realistic contemporary novel that models how one child's integrity can make a difference.
