The Friendship Riddle

Ruth Mudd-Flaherty is exactly the kind of quiet, bookish middle-schooler who will feel seen by this novel. When she finds an origami riddle tucked inside a library book, the mystery pulls her out of her self-imposed solitude and into a group of equally curious, unconventional classmates — reluctantly at first, then genuinely. Blakemore captures the ache of watching a close friend drift toward a different crowd with real emotional accuracy, and the puzzle structure keeps pages turning. Kirkus noted its authentic portrayal of middle-school social anxiety, and that praise holds. One note for conservative families: Ruth's household has two moms, and a classmate has two dads — both presented without comment or emphasis. No content concerns beyond that. For any child navigating friendship in flux, this one lands with quiet warmth. Worth It.