Here Lies the Librarian

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure to fit into a specific social mold or when they feel their interests do not align with traditional expectations. Set in 1914, it follows Peewee McGrath, a fourteen-year-old girl who finds more joy in grease and gears than in the restrictive etiquette of her era. When a group of modern, motor-driving librarians arrives in her small Indiana town, Peewee begins to see a world where intelligence and independence are as valuable as a well-tuned engine. This is a witty, historical coming-of-age story that celebrates the courage it takes to redefine oneself. It touches on themes of self-confidence, sibling loyalty, and early feminism with Richard Peck's signature humor. It is perfectly suited for middle schoolers who value authenticity over conformity.