Families who loved Nikki Tesla and the Traitors of the Lost Spark by Jess Keating often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is feeling like an outsider due to their high intelligence or intense interests. It is a perfect fit for the child who enjoys complex puzzles but needs a nudge toward understanding the value of emotional vulnerability and teamwork. Nikki Tesla, a brilliant young inventor, must team up with other young geniuses to stop a global biological threat while her school is under fire. Beyond the high-octane gadgets and international mystery, the story explores the weight of responsibility and the fear of being betrayed by those you trust. It is age-appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a sophisticated but safe thriller experience that validates the 'gifted' child's experience while emphasizing that even geniuses need friends.
