Fiendish Deeds

Reach for this book when your child feels like their unique interests are being dismissed by adults or when they are struggling to find their voice in a world that values conformity. Fiendish Deeds introduces Joy Wells, an intrepid girl living in the oddly macabre town of Spooking, who must fight to save her beloved, murky bog from greedy developers. It is a delightfully eerie tale that balances dark humor with a strong message about environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving the 'wild' parts of both nature and ourselves. While the setting is spooky, the core of the story is about the courage required to stand up for what is right, even when the people in charge refuse to listen. The book is perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy a touch of the gothic and a mystery to solve. It encourages children to see the value in things others might find 'ugly' or 'weird,' fostering a sense of resilience and personal integrity in the face of peer pressure or institutional greed.