Bringing Down the Mouse

Reach for this book when your child feels like their academic talents or niche interests make them an outsider. It is perfect for the gifted student who is starting to feel the pull of peer pressure and the desire to fit in at any cost. The story follows Charlie Lewis, a math prodigy who is recruited by a group of older kids to help them hack the probability systems at a world famous theme park. While the plot is a high stakes heist filled with humor and excitement, the heart of the book explores the tension between using one's gifts for good versus using them to gain status. It tackles themes of honesty, the weight of keeping secrets, and the realization that true belonging doesn't require compromising your integrity. It is an ideal bridge for middle grade readers who are moving from simple stories to complex moral dilemmas, offering a safe space to discuss the consequences of risky choices.