The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place

In this poignant and empowering middle-grade novel, 12-year-old Margaret Rose Kane returns from a dreadful summer camp to find her beloved great-uncles' extraordinary, decades-in-the-making scrap-metal towers facing demolition by local authorities. Margaret, initially feeling lost and alone, takes it upon herself to spearhead a passionate campaign to save these unique structures, which she comes to understand as masterpieces of outsider art and symbols of her family's history. The story explores themes of individuality, social action, the meaning of art, and the complexities of family bonds, including a bittersweet subplot about Margaret's parents' impending separation. It's a rich narrative for readers aged 10-14, offering a blend of adventure, emotional depth, and a strong message about standing up for what you believe in.

Upon leaving an oppressive summer camp, twelve-year-old Margaret Rose Kane spearheads a campaign to preserve three unique towers her great-uncles have been building in their backyard for more than forty years.