A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels like an outsider, misunderstood for their unique interests and struggling to navigate friendships. Saving Montgomery Sole is a warm and witty novel about a high school girl who is obsessed with mysteries and paranormal phenomena. When a new boy arrives in town, she's convinced he's the son of a famous cult leader. The story gently explores themes of self-discovery, the line between belief and reality, and the importance of seeing people for who they are. It's a great choice for its humor, its quirky and lovable main character, and its normalized, positive portrayal of a family with two moms. The book handles topics like a first crush and a homophobic incident with sensitivity, making it appropriate for young teens.
Infrequent use of mild swear words, consistent with the YA age range.
Romantic ContentMild
Focuses on a sweet and awkward first crush, including hand-holding and a first kiss.
Sensitive Topics
The book features a two-mom family, and a central plot point involves a direct, secular depiction of a homophobic hate incident (an egg thrown at their house with a slur). The family's reaction is realistic, showing both hurt and resilience. The resolution is hopeful, as the community provides support, reinforcing a positive message about solidarity. Themes of identity and belonging are handled directly through Montgomery's internal monologue and her interactions with friends and family.
Ideal Reader
A teen aged 13-16 who feels like a "weirdo" or an outsider because of their intense or unusual interests. It is perfect for a reader grappling with the social dynamics of high school, navigating a first crush, or learning how to be a better friend. It's also an excellent choice for a teen from an LGBTQ+ family who wants to see their family structure represented as a normal, loving part of a bigger story.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the homophobic incident around page 150. An egg is thrown at the family's house with a homophobic slur written on it. This scene can be a valuable conversation starter about prejudice, community support, and responding to hate with strength. Otherwise, the book can be read cold as its tone is generally gentle and accessible. A parent overhears their teen saying, "No one understands me," or witnesses them feeling isolated because of their unique hobbies. It could also be triggered by the teen expressing frustration about a friendship, or the family wanting a book that shows resilience in the face of prejudice.
Age Experience
A younger reader (13-14) will likely connect most with the mystery plot, the funny dialogue, and the relatable friendship drama. An older reader (15-17) will appreciate the more nuanced themes of perception versus reality, the critique of jumping to conclusions, and the subtle, powerful representation of a loving, non-traditional family.
What Makes It Special
Among many YA books about outsiders, this one stands out for its incredibly specific and charming voice. Montgomery isn't a generic misfit; she's a deeply realized character with unique obsessions. The casual, normalized portrayal of a two-mom family as simply a fact of the protagonist's life, rather than the central conflict, is a significant and refreshing differentiator.
Read plot summary
Montgomery Sole, a quirky high school student with two moms, runs the "Mystery Club of the Mind." She is obsessed with paranormal phenomena and her prized possession, the Eye of Know, a supposed psychic artifact. When a new student, Thomas, arrives in their small town, Montgomery becomes convinced he is the son of a notorious cult leader. She enlists her friends, Naoki and Veronica, to help her investigate, straining their friendships with her single-minded obsession. The story follows Montgomery's misguided investigation, her navigation of a first crush, and her family's response to a homophobic incident, culminating in her learning to see people, and herself, more clearly.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Montgomery is convinced Thomas is the son of a cult leader based on very little evidence. Why do you think she was so determined to believe this story about him?
2
When someone throws an egg at the Soles' house, Montgomery's moms have different reactions. How do their responses show their different personalities, and why are both valid ways of coping?
3
Veronica gets frustrated with Montgomery's obsession with the 'Mystery of Thomas.' Was Veronica being a good friend by confronting Montgomery? What is the best way to tell a friend you think they are wrong?
4
Montgomery relies on her 'Eye of Know' for guidance. Do you think this is a symbol for intuition, a fun magical object, or something else entirely? What do you rely on when you need answers?
5
At the end of the book, Montgomery realizes she has been focused on 'saving' other people. What does she learn about the importance of saving or understanding herself?
