Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter

Reach for this book when your child expresses big professional dreams but feels limited by their current circumstances or age. Set in 1920s Chicago, it follows Isabel, a determined newsgirl who witnesses a crime and decides to investigate it herself to prove she has what it takes to be a star reporter. It is an excellent choice for children who need to see the value of grit, professional ambition, and the importance of finding one's own voice. While it features a murder mystery, the tone remains age-appropriate for the 8 to 12 range, focusing more on the atmospheric historical setting and the puzzle of the investigation rather than graphic details. It provides a wonderful bridge into historical fiction through the lens of a fast-paced whodunit.