
Reach for this book when your child is showing a budding interest in science but feels a bit socially awkward or uncertain about where they fit in. It is the perfect choice for a preteen who loves logic and facts but needs help navigating the messy, often unpredictable world of middle school friendships. The story follows Tabby, a girl who attends a summer forensics camp and finds herself caught in a real-life mystery involving a theft. Through the lens of fingerprinting and DNA analysis, the book explores themes of honesty, integrity, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right, even when it involves people you care about. It is a smart, secular, and age-appropriate choice for readers aged 9 to 12 who enjoy realistic fiction with a side of STEM.
The book handles issues of ethics and honesty in a direct, secular manner. There is a focus on the consequences of theft and the moral dilemma of reporting a friend. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, emphasizing personal growth over punishment.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 10-year-old girl who prefers facts and logic to social drama, perhaps feeling like an outsider at school, who needs to see that her unique interests can lead to both competence and true friendship.
This is a safe read-cold book. Parents might want to discuss the ethics of the final reveal to help the child process the protagonist's difficult choice. A parent might notice their child struggling with a 'snitch' dilemma or feeling torn between being loyal to a friend and doing the right thing.
Younger readers (9) will focus on the cool science experiments and the 'whodunit' aspect. Older readers (12) will better appreciate the nuanced social dynamics and the internal struggle Tabby faces regarding loyalty.
Unlike many 'kid detective' books that rely on luck or intuition, this story leans heavily into actual forensic science, making it as educational as it is entertaining.
Tabby is a science-loving middle schooler attending a week-long forensics camp. When a series of thefts occur at the camp, Tabby and her new friends must use the scientific techniques they are learning, such as fingerprinting and hair analysis, to identify the culprit. The stakes become personal when suspicion falls on someone close to her.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.