This is what good middle grade fiction looks like: award-winning, entertaining, and packed with teachable moments that don't feel like homework. The Great Escalator Trade is a fun hook that pulls kids into a story about friendship, loyalty, and the hard work of figuring out right from wrong when a charismatic older kid is telling you otherwise.

The brothers make mistakes—real, believable mistakes—and that's exactly why this works. It's not a cautionary tale that hits you over the head; it's an adventure that happens to involve some poor judgment and meaningful consequences. The foster care angle adds depth without being exploitative, and the sibling relationship feels authentic.

At 4.7 stars on Amazon and multiple major awards, this isn't just good-for-you reading—it's genuinely engaging. The 2019 publication date means it feels current, and reviewers consistently call it 'highly discussable,' which is code for 'your kid will actually want to talk about this one.' Solid choice for independent readers or family read-alouds.