The S.Q.U.A.D.

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating the social complexities of middle school and feels like an outsider or is struggling to collaborate with people who have very different personalities. Set in the deceptively quiet town of Death Valley, the story follows four teenagers from diverse backgrounds who discover they are the S.Q.U.A.D., a team tasked with guarding a portal to the Other World. The book balances supernatural action with the internal growth of its characters as they learn that 'Light' and 'Dark' forces must coexist to maintain world harmony. It is an ideal pick for ages 8 to 12, offering a mix of spooky adventure and meaningful lessons about how our unique differences are actually our greatest strengths when we work together.