The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum

A parent would reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or struggles to find their 'tribe' at school. Olive Cobin Zhang is a California tween who has never quite fit the mold, but when she is sent to a mysterious boarding school for 'reforming arts,' she discovers that her perceived flaws are actually specialized skills. This high-energy mystery follows a group of unique kids recruited into a secret crime-fighting organization called NOCK. Beyond the gadgets and capers, the story explores deep emotional themes of belonging, the value of neurodiversity, and the transformative power of finding friends who truly 'get' you. It is a secular, fast-paced read perfect for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy humor and teamwork. Parents will appreciate how the book reframes being 'different' as a position of strength rather than a deficit.