About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels stifled by rules or struggles to find their voice within a rigid environment. It is the perfect choice for a spirited reader who feels like a 'square peg' and needs to see that their independence is a strength, not a flaw. Set in a Victorian boarding school, the story follows Maeve Merritt, a girl who discovers a grumpy genie in a discarded sardine tin. While the plot is full of magical mishaps and Victorian adventure, the heart of the story explores the ethics of power and the importance of self-reliance. Maeve must navigate the temptation of having every wish granted while outsmarting adults who want to exploit her discovery. It is a witty, fast-paced read that balances humor with meaningful lessons about accountability and standing up for what is right. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary and the way it encourages children to think critically about the consequences of their choices.
