The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas

Reach for this book when your child is searching for their place in the world or needs to see that resourcefulness and teamwork can overcome difficult circumstances. While the setting is a gritty Victorian London, the heart of the story lies in a group of homeless street children who find purpose and belonging through their secret work for Sherlock Holmes. It is an excellent choice for kids who enjoy logic and deduction but crave a story about found family and social justice. As the Baker Street Irregulars investigate a suspicious circus tragedy, they must navigate the challenges of poverty and danger. This mystery is age-appropriate for middle-grade readers, offering a sophisticated plot that respects a child's intelligence. It serves as a bridge for young readers who aren't quite ready for the original Doyle classics but want the same atmosphere and intellectual challenge.