The Midnight Children

Dan Gemeinhart delivers a poignant and adventurous middle-grade novel about Ravani, a timid and lonely boy who secretly observes the arrival of seven mysterious, unsupervised children in his small town. As Ravani befriends the gutsy Virginia from the group, he uncovers their secrets and the threat they face. This story beautifully explores themes of loneliness, belonging, courage, and what truly defines a family. It's perfect for readers aged 10-14 who enjoy heartfelt mysteries with strong character development and a focus on friendship.

From Dan Gemeinhart, the acclaimed author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, comes an extraordinary story about a family of runaways who take up residence in a small town, and the outcast boy who finds his voice and his people--perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Kate DiCamillo. In the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a small town curiously named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street, looking over their shoulders to make sure they aren't noticed. But Ravani Foster covertly witnesses their arrival from his bedroom window. Timid and lonely, Ravani is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What secrets are they hiding? And most mysterious of all...where are the adults? Yet amid this shadowy group of children, Ravani finds an unexpected friend in the warm and gutsy Virginia. But with this friendship comes secrets revealed--and danger. When Ravani learns of a threat to his new friends, he must fight to keep them safe, or lose the only person who has ever understood him. Full of wonder, friendship, and mystery, The Midnight Children explores the meaning of home, what makes a family, and what it takes to find the courage to believe in yourself.