For a child navigating new social dynamics or feeling out of place, this book offers a humorous, lighthearted mystery about finding friendship and belonging among quirky neighbors.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a move, struggling to make new friends, or feeling like everyone around them is just plain weird. This story follows Chloris, who is unhappy after moving to a new town with her divorced mother. She's convinced her eccentric neighbors are 'weirdos' and wants nothing to do with them. But when a prize-winning cat is stolen, Chloris gets drawn into the mystery, teaming up with the very neighbors she misjudged. It's a lighthearted, humorous mystery that gently explores themes of loneliness, empathy, and the importance of looking past first impressions. For ages 8-12, it's a wonderful choice for modeling how to overcome shyness and find friendship in the most unexpected places.
The backdrop for the story is parental divorce. It is mentioned directly as the reason for Chloris's move and her resulting unhappiness, but it is not the central conflict of the plot. The approach is secular and matter-of-fact. The resolution of the story is hopeful, focusing on Chloris's newfound happiness and community, not on her family situation.
Ideal Reader
An 8-to-11-year-old who has recently moved or is struggling to fit in. This book is perfect for a child who feels like an outsider or tends to be shy or judgmental when faced with new social situations. It will also appeal to kids who enjoy gentle, character-driven mysteries with a dose of humor.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. Published in 1978, some minor cultural references or turns of phrase may feel dated, but the core themes are timeless and require no special context. The mention of divorce is simple and doesn't require pre-reading unless the topic is particularly sensitive for the child. A parent has just heard their child say, "I hate our new house," "Everyone here is weird," or "I'll never make friends." The child may seem withdrawn, overly critical of their new surroundings, or nostalgic for their old life.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the fun of the mystery: the missing cat, the quirky suspects, and the clever detective work. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate Chloris's internal journey, understanding the nuances of her loneliness and the character growth she experiences as she learns to be more empathetic and open-minded.
What Makes It Special
While many 'new kid' books center on school, this story uniquely focuses on the neighborhood as the primary social setting. Its blend of a classic mystery plot with a strong emotional core about overcoming prejudice is what makes it special. The humor and quirky characters prevent the theme of loneliness from becoming too heavy, making it a more accessible and entertaining read than more somber books on the topic.
Read plot summary
Eleven-year-old Chloris, resentful about moving to a sleepy beach town with her recently divorced mother, immediately labels her eccentric new neighbors, the Foleys, as "weirdos." She resists friendship with the equally quirky Jenny Foley until Jenny's prize-winning Siamese cat, Jupiter, is stolen. The shared goal of solving the mystery forces Chloris to engage with the Foleys and other neighbors, breaking down her preconceived notions. As she follows clues, she discovers that the 'weirdos' are actually creative, kind, and interesting people, ultimately finding the friendship and sense of belonging she was missing.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning of the book, Chloris calls the Foley family 'weirdos'. What specific things did they do that she thought were weird? How did her opinion of those same things change by the end?
2
Why do you think Chloris was so resistant to being friends with Jenny at first? What was the moment or event that you think started to change her mind?
3
Chloris acts as a detective to find Jupiter. If you were solving the case, what is the first clue you would have looked for? Do you think her methods were smart?
4
This book takes place in a small beach town. How did the setting, like the beach and the neighborhood, play a role in the story and in Chloris finding friends?
