About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to push back against adult restrictions and craves stories about competent, fiercely independent girls who can hold their own in a room full of experts. It is perfect for a middle-schooler who feels they are smarter than the world gives them credit for. Set in 1872, the story follows the brilliant orphan Vesper Holly as she travels to the fictional country of Illyria to complete her late father's archaeological quest. While Vesper is the mastermind, the story is told through the eyes of her well-meaning but often bumbling guardian, Brinnie. Together, they navigate a world of ancient legends, political uprisings, and assassination attempts. It is a sophisticated, witty adventure that celebrates intellectual curiosity and the courage to challenge the status quo, making it an excellent choice for building confidence and vocabulary in readers aged 9 to 14.
