The Kidnapping of Wispy Willow

Reach for this book when your child feels like a perpetual outsider or struggles with the 'new kid' jitters after a move. It addresses the deep-seated need for belonging by placing a lonely protagonist in a situation where his unique perspective becomes his greatest strength. Theodore Andrew McCall has spent twelve years moving from place to place, but his start at Fulbright School for Boys takes a wild turn when he discovers a secret FBI division dedicated to managing real-life cartoons. The story balances high-stakes adventure with the relatable emotional weight of finding one's footing in a new environment. It is ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and absurdist humor, offering a reassuring message that being in the 'wrong place' might actually be the start of finding where you truly belong.