Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Reach for this book if your child is navigating the feeling of being an outsider or is struggling with a secret at home. It is a perfect choice for middle schoolers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries but also need a protagonist who feels deeply real. The story follows Sammy, a spunky seventh grader living illegally in a seniors only apartment building with her grandmother. When she witnesses a robbery through her binoculars, she must solve the crime while keeping her own living situation hidden from the authorities. Beyond the clever sleuthing, the book explores themes of justice, socioeconomic struggles, and the complexity of family loyalty. It is highly appropriate for ages 10 to 14, offering a grounded perspective on 'growing up' that balances humor with the high stakes of real-world consequences. Parents will appreciate the way it validates children who may not come from a traditional nuclear family while providing a high-energy, entertaining read.