The Shadow Cipher

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a sense of powerlessness or the fear of losing their home to forces beyond their control. This high-stakes mystery follows twins Tess and Theo Biedermann, along with their neighbor Jaime, as they race to solve a centuries-old puzzle hidden within the architecture of an alternate New York City. Facing the imminent loss of their apartment building, the children must rely on their unique intellectual strengths to save their community. At its heart, this story is about the power of collective action and the idea that history is a living, breathing puzzle that children are qualified to solve. It balances intense intellectual puzzles with a warm, supportive depiction of sibling and neighborly bonds. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy complex problem-solving and are beginning to notice the socioeconomic changes in their own neighborhoods.