A Royal Conundrum

"A Royal Conundrum" introduces Olive Zang, a relatable middle-schooler who feels like an outsider until she's sent to RASCH, a "reforming arts school" that's secretly a training ground for young crime-fighters. This first book in "The Misfits" series, by Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, blends humor, adventure, and heartwarming themes of belonging and self-discovery. It's perfect for ages 10-14, offering a fast-paced plot where Olive and her new friends must work together to save their unique school from closing by stopping a major heist. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about finding your place and the power of teamwork, all wrapped in an engaging and funny narrative.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • When a notorious thief is out for priceless treasure (gems! cats! general decorum!)—who're you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs, that's who! The Misfits are on the case in this hilarious series from Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat! “For any kid who’s felt like a misfit, this crackling adventure packs a wallop!” —Lincoln Peirce, creator of Big Nate and Max & the Midknights Olive Cobin Zang has . . . issues. And they mostly aren’t her fault. (No, really!) Though she often slips under the radar, problems have a knack for finding her. So, imagine her doubts when she’s suddenly dropped off at the strangest boarding school ever: a former castle turned prison that's now a “reforming arts school”! But nothing could’ve prepared Olive for RASCH (not “rash”). There, she’s lumped with a team of other kids who never quite fit in, and discovers that the academy isn’t what it seems—and neither is she. In fact, RASCH is a cover for an elite group of misfits who fight crime . . . and Olive has arrived just in time. Turns out that RASCH is in danger of closing, unless Olive’s class can stop the heist of the century. And as Olive falls in love with this wacky school, she realizes it’s up to her new team to save the only home that’s ever welcomed them.