About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the frictions of a blended family or feeling like their siblings' quirks are more of a burden than a blessing. This classic adventure follows the four Stanley children and their prickly new stepsister, Amanda, as they move to Italy and find themselves in the middle of a bumbling but frightening kidnapping plot. While the situation is high-stakes, the story focuses on how the children's seemingly annoying personality traits (Janie's bossiness or the twins' pickiness) actually become the keys to their survival. It is a brilliant tool for normalizing sibling rivalry while celebrating the unique strengths within every family member. Best for ages 8 to 12, it provides a safe way to explore themes of fear and bravery through a lens of humor and teamwork.
