The Yggyssey

Reach for this book when your child seems bored by conventional storytelling or feels like they do not quite fit into the 'normal' boxes of middle school life. It is a perfect choice for the kid who values eccentricity over popularity and enjoys dry, deadpan humor. The story follows Yggie, a girl living in a haunted Los Angeles hotel, as she embarks on a surreal journey to find people who have literally vanished into their television sets. At its heart, this is a celebration of the weird and the wonderful. It tackles themes of friendship and intellectual curiosity while gently poking fun at the mindless consumption of media. Pinkwater's writing is sophisticated yet accessible, providing a rich vocabulary-building experience without ever feeling like a lesson. It is an ideal pick for an independent reader who appreciates a plot that wanders through strange, imaginative landscapes rather than following a predictable path.