The Stone, the Cipher, and the Shadows

Reach for this book when your child is ready for a 'safe scare' that balances spooky atmosphere with the comfort of steadfast friendship. It is perfect for children who feel like outsiders or who find solace in logic and history when the world feels unpredictable. Johnny Dixon is a bright but anxious boy living with his grandparents, and his adventures provide a blueprint for managing fear through intellectual curiosity and community. In this installment, Johnny and the eccentric Professor Childermass encounter an ancient stone and a cryptic code that lead to a supernatural threat. The story explores themes of bravery and the importance of intergenerational bonds. While it features gothic elements like shadows and ghosts, it remains firmly rooted in the middle-grade tradition of good triumphing over evil, making it an excellent choice for kids who want something darker than a standard mystery but less intense than YA horror.