About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is starting to notice the complex, sometimes unfair social hierarchies and 'backroom deals' of adolescent life. It is perfect for the child who values justice and honesty but feels like they are the only one playing by the rules. The story follows Matt Stevens, a clever middle schooler who operates like a classic hardboiled detective to solve a blackmail scheme involving the school's star athlete. Through a witty and fast-paced mystery, the book explores the pressure to conform, the weight of keeping secrets, and the importance of personal integrity. It is an ideal choice for 10 to 14-year-olds who appreciate smart humor and want to see a peer stand up to the 'big fish' in their school pond.
