Shadow Breakers

Miranda is the classic outsider: new town, new school, and a sense that she does not fit in. Her life shifts when she is recruited by a group of highly intelligent, tech-oriented peers known as the Shadow Breakers. Together, they use a combination of cutting-edge technology and analytical thinking to investigate and neutralize menacing supernatural occurrences that the adult world cannot see or explain. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with social isolation and the fear of the unknown. The approach to the supernatural is semi-scientific and secular, treating ghosts or shadows as anomalies to be solved rather than religious entities. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that while threats exist, they can be managed through teamwork and courage. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy sense of isolation and the grayness of being an outsider. As Miranda finds her group, the tone shifts toward empowerment and high-stakes excitement. It ends on a triumphant note of self-actualization. IDEAL READER: A 14-year-old who spends lunch in the library or the computer lab and feels like they are waiting for their real life to begin. This child likely prefers logic and facts but has a secret love for ghost stories. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child retreating into their room, expressing frustration that no one at their new school gets them, or feeling like their academic interests are social liabilities. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of some mildly intense suspense sequences involving supernatural threats. No specific previewing is required for most, as the scares are appropriate for the middle-school to early high-school level. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the cool gadgets and the spooky monsters. Older readers (14-15) will connect more deeply with Miranda's identity crisis and the social hierarchies of high school. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many paranormal stories that rely on magic, this book highlights the power of the teenage brain and the idea that being a genius weirdo is actually a superpower.