The Mysterious Christmas Shell

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving away from a beloved family home or coping with the changing circumstances of an elderly relative. Set against the misty, atmospheric backdrop of the California coast, this story follows siblings Tom and Jennifer as they race to find a lost document that could save their grandmother's estate from being sold. It is a gentle, sophisticated mystery that validates a child's feelings of anxiety regarding family stability while offering a hopeful path forward through persistence and connection to the past. Perfect for independent readers aged 8 to 12, it provides a comforting space to discuss heritage, the weight of family secrets, and the importance of preserving memories during times of financial or emotional stress.