The Peach Thief

A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating a new environment or feeling like an outsider, especially if that child has a strong sense of fairness. This enchanting mystery follows Addie, a girl who has just moved to a peculiar town famous for its magical peaches. When the prized fruit begins to disappear and a reclusive old woman is wrongly blamed, Addie discovers she has a unique gift that might be the key to finding the real thief. For readers aged 9 to 12, the story beautifully weaves together themes of justice, empathy, and the courage it takes to stand up for what's right. It’s an excellent choice for a child who loves a good puzzle wrapped in a cozy, magical world, offering a gentle model for finding one's own voice and place.