About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager feels like they do not fit the typical middle school mold or when they are struggling to find people who appreciate their unique creative perspective. It is a sophisticated, atmospheric story that validates the experience of being an outsider while offering a hopeful path toward connection. Through the lens of a mystery hidden within an old Australian house, the story explores how shared curiosity can bridge the gap between lonely hearts. Fourteen-year-old Laura Horton prefers her sketchbook and the sanctuary of her eccentric home to the social pressures of her peers. When she meets Leon, a new student who is equally isolated, they embark on a journey to uncover the history of the Visconti House. Parents will appreciate the book's focus on healthy, intellectual friendship and its celebration of individuality and family warmth. It is a gentle yet deeply engaging read for teens aged 12 to 16 who enjoy quiet, character-driven mysteries.
