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Description
In this fast-paced middle-grade thriller, eleven-year-old Kaci finds herself in a dangerous game when she catches burglars ransacking her house. Before she can call for help, she and her nosy elderly neighbor, Mrs. Banducci, are taken captive by the desperate criminals, who will stop at nothing to keep their secret. As the intruders tighten their grip, Kaci must use her wits and courage to protect herself and her neighbor while waiting for a chance to escape.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a middle-grade thriller that doesn't waste time getting to the good stuff, "Hostage" delivers from page one. Eleven-year-old Kaci finds herself in a terrifying situation when burglars break into her house and take her and her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Banducci, captive and what makes this book genuinely stand out is how the two very different hostages form an unlikely alliance to outsmart the criminals while waiting for rescue. The tension is real and scary in places, which makes it perfect for kids who love a good adventure story but aren't quite ready for anything too graphic or dark. Fans of "Holes" or "The Westing Game" will appreciate the clever problem-solving and the way Kaci has to think fast when the adults' plans fall apart. It's also got some genuinely funny moments, especially in the dynamic between Kaci and Mrs. Banducci, whose clashing personalities actually end up being their secret weapon. Parents will appreciate that it shows kids handling a genuinely dangerous situation with courage and ingenuity rather than luck alone. This one is a quick read (around 30,000 words), so it's great for reluctant readers who need a book that grabs them fast, and kids who finish it will likely immediately want to talk about what they would have done in Kaci's place.