The Dolphins of Laurentum

A parent should reach for this book when their child is facing a moment of high pressure or when the family is navigating a season of financial uncertainty. It is a powerful tool for discussing how resilience and teamwork can help overcome overwhelming odds. In this fifth installment of the Roman Mysteries, Flavia and her friends must find sunken treasure to save her family from ruin after the eruption of Vesuvius destroys their fortune. The story beautifully balances the thrill of an underwater adventure with deep emotional themes of loyalty, justice, and the ethics of wealth. It provides a historical lens through which 8 to 12-year-olds can explore complex social structures like slavery and class while remaining grounded in a fast-paced mystery. Parents will appreciate the way it models proactive problem solving and the strength found in diverse friendships during times of crisis.