Wretched Waterpark

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to develop a taste for the dark and unusual, or when siblings need a story about working together despite their distinct differences. This clever mystery follows the Sinister-Winterbottom siblings, Marigold, Robbie, and Zinnia, as they are dropped off at a bizarre and increasingly dangerous waterpark by an aunt who clearly has secrets of her own. While the setting is spooky and the humor is dry, the core of the book is about children navigating an adult world that is confusing and sometimes negligent. It is perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy a gothic aesthetic and a puzzle to solve. The story emphasizes that while individuals have unique strengths, like athleticism or intellect, they are strongest when they act as a unified front against the unknown.