
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are on the outside looking in, or if they are grappling with what it truly means to be a family beyond biological ties. It is a perfect choice for middle graders who enjoy high-stakes adventure but also need a story that validates the complicated feelings of being the new kid in an established group. Nicki Demere, a foster child with a talent for pickpocketing, is recruited by the U.S. Marshals to join the Trevor family in witness protection. As the family hides from a dangerous criminal syndicate, Nicki must navigate the challenges of a new school and a new identity while wondering if she can ever be more than just a strategic addition to the family. This is a fast-paced, humorous mystery that tackles deep themes of trust, belonging, and the courage it takes to let people in. It is highly appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range, offering plenty of excitement without being overly dark or heavy.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist is a skilled pickpocket and uses these skills, though for defensive purposes.
Themes of foster care, loneliness, and the feeling of not being wanted by biological parents.
The book handles foster care and the feeling of being 'expendable' with a realistic, secular approach. While there is a looming threat of violence from the criminals, it is kept largely off-page or handled through tension rather than gore. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that family is built through choice and shared experiences.
A 10-year-old who feels like they have to wear a mask at school or who is transitioning into a new family dynamic, such as adoption or a blended family. It is also perfect for the kid who loves spy stories but wants more emotional meat.
Read the chapters involving the initial 'training' with the Marshals to understand the pressure Nicki feels. The book can be read cold, but discussing the concept of 'Found Family' afterward is helpful. A parent might notice their child withdrawing or expressing the belief that they only belong if they are 'useful' to others.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the cool gadgets and the 'spy' aspect of hiding. Older readers (11-12) will pick up on the nuance of Nicki's identity crisis and her fear of rejection.
Unlike many 'spy' books that focus on gadgets, this one uses the high-stakes Witness Protection premise as a brilliant metaphor for the vulnerability of joining a new family.
Nicki Demere, a street-smart foster kid with a history of minor kleptomania, is selected by the U.S. Marshals to be the 'missing piece' for a family entering Witness Protection. The goal is for her presence to change the family's profile enough to throw off the hitmen searching for them. As the 'Trevors,' they move to North Carolina, where Nicki (now Charlotte) must balance middle school drama with the constant threat of discovery.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.