A parent might reach for this book when their child feels a bit ordinary and longs for a touch of magic in their everyday life. This story follows Amber, a twelve-year-old Chicagoan who discovers a secret family ability: she's a Finder, someone with the magic to find lost things. This newfound power pulls her into a hidden magical world as she teams up with new friends to solve the mystery of a magical reporter's disappearance. The book gently explores themes of self-confidence, friendship, and bravery. Perfect for middle-grade readers, it's a delightful urban fantasy that grounds its magic in relatable emotions, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy adventure without intense peril.
A main character's guardian is missing, which is a central and worrying plot point.
Sensitive Topics
A main character’s guardian is missing, which drives the plot. This is handled as a solvable mystery rather than a traumatic loss or exploration of grief. The approach is entirely secular. The resolution to this plotline is hopeful and action-oriented. The memory of a deceased grandmother is present as the source of Amber's magical line, but it's framed positively as a legacy, not a source of sadness.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an 8 to 11-year-old who loves the idea of fantasy but may be intimidated by epic, high-stakes series. It's for the child who daydreams about finding magic hidden in their own neighborhood, who connects with stories about friendship and clever problem-solving, and who is looking for a gentle, charming entry into the urban fantasy genre.
Parent Prep
No parent prep is needed. The book can be read cold. The concepts of a hidden magical world and a mysterious organization are introduced in a clear, accessible way that is standard for middle-grade fantasy. A parent has heard their child say, "I wish my life was more exciting," or "I feel so boring." The child has finished lighter fantasy series and is ready for a chapter book with a bit more plot and mystery, but the parent wants to ensure the content remains age-appropriate and not overly scary.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the wish-fulfillment aspect of the magic system (finding lost toys and phones) and the fun of the urban adventure. An older reader (10-12) will connect more deeply with Amber's internal journey of accepting her unique identity, the loyalty between the friends, and the satisfaction of piecing together the mystery's clues.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many fantasies set in imaginary realms, this book's grounding in a real American city (Chicago) makes the magic feel uniquely accessible and plausible. Its magic system, focused on 'finding' rather than combat, is distinctive and gentle. The story places a strong, positive emphasis on family history and intergenerational connection as the source of personal power.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Amber Sand feels completely average until she discovers she has inherited her family’s magical ability to find lost objects. This power connects her to a hidden magical community within Chicago. When her new friend Charlie’s magically-inclined aunt goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Amber must learn to control her fledgling powers. Alongside Charlie and her cousin, she navigates the city's magical underground, evading a sinister organization known as the Collectors who want to exploit her abilities, in a race to solve the disappearance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Amber's magic is 'finding.' If you could have a simple, everyday kind of magic like that, what would it be and why?
2
Amber has to decide whether to trust her new friend Charlie with her big secret. What makes someone a trustworthy friend? How did Charlie prove he could be trusted?
3
The Collectors want to use magic to take things, while Amber uses it to find them. Why do you think people with similar abilities might choose to use them for good or for bad?
4
This story's magic is hidden in real places in Chicago. How does setting the story in a real city make the magic feel different than in a fantasy world like Narnia or Hogwarts?
