Girl's Best Friend

Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is beginning to crave more independence or expresses an interest in starting their own neighborhood job. It is a perfect fit for children who have outgrown simple animal stories and are ready for a relatable, urban mystery that mirrors their own developing sense of responsibility. Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair is a resourceful protagonist who navigates the complexities of middle school social hierarchies while running a burgeoning dog-walking business. The story centers on Maggie's quest to solve a string of local dognappings, blending a classic detective structure with modern adolescent concerns. It explores themes of loyalty, the ethics of business, and the nuances of shifting friendships. Parents will appreciate the way it encourages problem-solving and entrepreneurial spirit without losing the lighthearted, humorous tone appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range. It is an engaging, secular choice that validates a child's desire to be taken seriously by the adults in their community.