A Talent for Trouble

Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'round peg in a square hole' at school or struggles to find their place among peers. It is a perfect choice for the kid who feels overlooked because their talents don't fit the traditional academic or athletic mold. The story follows Alice, Barney, and Stevie, three self-proclaimed misfits who are sent on a school trip to the Scottish Highlands to build character, only to find themselves separated from their group and forced to survive in the wilderness. It is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of how being 'trouble' in one environment can make you a hero in another. It emphasizes that everyone has a hidden strength, even if a teacher hasn't found a name for it yet. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the eccentricities of middle schoolers while providing a fast-paced survival adventure. It is highly appropriate for ages 9 to 13, offering a hopeful message about finding your tribe and the importance of resilience.