About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is ready for a sophisticated, fast-paced adventure featuring a girl who is consistently the smartest and most capable person in the room. This story is perfect for children who enjoy testing their wits against a puzzle and who are starting to appreciate the humor and complexity of historical settings. Set in 1876 Philadelphia, the book follows Vesper Holly as she protects world leaders and scientific innovations from a brilliant arch-nemesis. While the stakes involve international plots and kidnapping, the tone remains spirited and intellectually stimulating. It celebrates the power of logical thinking, bravery, and friendship. Parents will appreciate how Lloyd Alexander balances Victorian elegance with high-stakes action, making it an excellent choice for building vocabulary and historical curiosity in readers aged 9 to 14. It is a refreshing example of a female protagonist who is defined by her competence and agency.
