A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon

In a slightly fantastical New York City, Pearl, the librarian's daughter, is determined to save her beloved library from closure. When a valuable statue's head disappears, Pearl teams up with an eclectic crew, including a tap-dancing friend, a boy she admires, and a secret society of reading and writing raccoons, to solve the mystery. This middle-grade novel blends a classic detective story with light fantasy, offering a heartwarming tale about the power of community, friendship, and believing in yourself. It features rich characters, charming illustrations, and unique narrative elements like footnotes and sidebars, making it a delightful read for children aged 10-14.

In a slightly fantastical New York City, one very special library branch has been designated for possible closure. Bookish, socially awkward Pearl, the daughter of the librarian, can't imagine a world without the library—its books, its community of oddballs, its hominess. When the head of their Edna St. Vincent Millay statue goes missing, closure is closer than ever. But Pearl is determined to save the library. And with a ragtag neighborhood library crew—including a constantly tap-dancing girl who might just be her first friend, an older boy she has a crush on, and a pack of raccoons who can read and write—she just might be able to. With an eclectic cast of richly drawn characters, a hint of just-around-the-corner magic, footnotes, sidebars, and Jessixa Bagley's classic illustrations throughout, this warm-hearted, visually magnificent tale of reading and believing from beloved author Karen Romano Young tells of a world where what you want to believe can come true.