The Shadewell Shenanigans

A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler is tired of traditional fairy tales and is looking for a clever, sarcastic subversion of the typical hero story. It is ideal for children who use humor as a social shield or who feel like they do not quite fit the mold of what a 'successful' student or leader should look like. The story follows Duke Modeset, a rather incompetent ruler, as he attempts to outsmart a pair of colorful bandits through a series of absurd mishaps. While the setting is fantasy, the core themes revolve around identity and the realization that leaders and villains are often just flawed people making things up as they go. This is a satirical, absurdist adventure with a dark edge that remains age-appropriate for the 10 to 14 crowd. It encourages readers to question authority and laugh at the ridiculousness of social hierarchies, making it a great pick for kids who appreciate Monty Python style wit or Lemony Snicket's narration.