Dotty and the Calendar House Key

Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider or struggling to find their footing in a new environment. It is a perfect fit for the middle-grade reader who needs to see that being different is often a precursor to discovering a hidden strength or a unique purpose. The story follows Dotty, a girl who feels she does not quite fit in, as she moves into the mysterious Hollingworth Hall. There, she discovers a calendar house with secrets linked to the past and a mystery that only she can solve. While the plot is driven by history and puzzles, the emotional heart of the book is about overcoming loneliness and building resilience. It is written with a sense of wonder and atmospheric tension that keeps young readers engaged without being overly dark. Parents will appreciate the way it encourages curiosity and critical thinking, making it an excellent choice for building vocabulary and fostering a love for historical mysteries in children aged eight to twelve.