Stranger Came Ashore, A

Reach for this book when your child expresses a gut feeling that someone or something isn't what they seem, even if adults around them are completely charmed. It is an ideal choice for the middle-grade reader who enjoys atmospheric mysteries or folklore and is beginning to navigate the complex social reality that charismatic people are not always kind. Set in the misty Shetland Islands, the story follows young Robbie Henderson as he realizes that Finn Learson, a handsome stranger who washed ashore during a storm, is actually a dangerous Great Selkie in disguise. While Robbie's family is won over by Finn's charm, Robbie must rely on his intuition and the help of a local wise man to protect his sister. This tale beautifully balances the chilling suspense of a thriller with the rich tradition of Scottish mythology, focusing on themes of bravery, family loyalty, and the importance of trusting one's own perceptions.