The Riddle of Penncroft Farm

Reach for this book if your middle-schooler is struggling with a recent move, feeling like an outsider in a new town, or experiencing a sense of displacement. It is a comforting and engaging choice for children who feel lonely and need to see that history and family roots can provide a bridge to finding their own place. Lars Olafson is unhappy about moving to his aunt's old farm in Valley Forge, but his world opens up when he meets Geordie, the ghost of an ancestor from the Revolutionary War. Through their friendship, Lars discovers that the past is alive and full of secrets. The story balances a modern-day mystery involving a missing will with fascinating historical flashbacks. It is perfectly suited for ages 9 to 13, offering a gentle yet compelling narrative about bravery, belonging, and the enduring nature of family bonds.