The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid

Reach for this book when your child feels like a fish out of water or struggles with the quiet isolation of being the new kid in a strange place. Charlie Fisher is the lonely son of an American diplomat in 1961 Marseille, finding himself more at home with a group of charismatic street urchins than with his own preoccupied father. The story explores the seductive pull of belonging to a secret group and the complex ethical choices that come with friendship. While the plot revolves around pickpockets, the heart of the story is about trust, the desire to be seen, and the realization that everyone is performing a role. It is a sophisticated, atmospheric historical mystery perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy high stakes and intricate world building. Parents will appreciate the rich vocabulary and the nuanced way it handles Charlie's yearning for connection in a world that feels both beautiful and indifferent.