Curiosity

Curiosity plunges readers into 1835 Philadelphia, where twelve-year-old Rufus Goodspeed, a gifted chess player, is thrust into a secret life operating a legendary chess automaton, The Turk. With his father in debtor's prison, Rufus takes on this dangerous role, but soon finds himself entangled in a mystery surrounding the automaton's past operators and his own precarious future. This historical adventure combines elements of mystery, early science fiction, and a poignant exploration of poverty and resilience. It's suitable for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical settings, puzzles, and a touch of suspense.