About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the allure of a 'shortcut' or struggling with self-doubt in their extracurricular pursuits. It is an ideal pick for a young reader who loves spooky mysteries but also needs a gentle lesson on the importance of earned skill versus unearned magic. The story follows Emma, a ballet dancer who discovers a haunted music box that grants her supernatural grace at a steep emotional cost. While the plot features ghost-story tropes like moving objects and mysterious eyes in mirrors, the heart of the book is about Emma's internal struggle to reclaim her own identity and independence. It is perfectly suited for the 7 to 11 age range, offering a 'safe scare' that reinforces the value of hard work and the courage to let go of something that feels too good to be true. Parents will appreciate the way it frames the concept of integrity within a high-interest, fast-paced thriller.
