About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider after a big life change, such as moving to a new town or starting a new school year. It is a perfect choice for the middle-grade reader who needs a gentle nudge to engage with their surroundings and see the magic in everyday mysteries rather than focusing on what they have lost. The story follows Stella, who is struggling to adjust to a quiet new town until she discovers a series of coded notes that spark her inner detective. At its heart, this is a story about the transition from isolation to belonging. While the central hook is a fun mystery involving puzzles and secret messages, the emotional weight lies in Stella learning to observe the people around her with empathy and curiosity. It is age-appropriate for 8 to 12-year-olds, offering a relatable look at sibling dynamics and the awkwardness of finding your place in a new social circle. Parents will appreciate how it models proactive problem-solving and social bravery without feeling didactic.
