About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the quiet, complicated grief of losing a grandparent or showing a sudden interest in family legends and 'who we used to be.' It is an ideal bridge for children who feel the weight of a family loss but prefer to process those heavy emotions through the lens of a fast-paced, intellectual challenge rather than a straightforward drama. The story follows thirteen-year-old Jason as he helps his father clear out his grandmother's house in Florida. A mysterious postcard launches him into a decades-old mystery involving a pulp fiction writer and a long-hidden family secret. While the plot is a gripping detective hunt, the heart of the book explores how the stories we tell define our family identity. It is a sophisticated choice for ages 10 to 14, offering a realistic look at how death can serve as a doorway to understanding our living relatives more deeply.
