Chester Keene Cracks the Code

Reach for this book when your child struggles with flexibility or feels overwhelmed by the unpredictable nature of social life and family secrets. Chester Keene is a boy who finds safety in schedules and routine, but his world is upended when a mysterious riddle from his absent father leads him into a complex scavenger hunt. The story beautifully navigates the intersection of neurodivergent tendencies and the emotional weight of a single-parent household. It offers a gentle but honest look at how children process disappointment and how they can find strength in unexpected friendships. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's need for order while encouraging the brave step of trusting someone else. It is a perfect middle-grade bridge between high-stakes mystery and grounded, realistic emotional growth.