Jack’s father has disappeared in London. He might be dead. Still, Jack Buckles has always held this strange sense about deeper realities. Suddenly this 13-year-old everykid finds himself dashing about town, using his newfound powers to solve old mysteries while evading foreign villains and high-tech beetle-like drones that can zap things! Blimey! James R. Hannibal’s The Lost Property Office keeps a quick pace but takes time to explore English history and one young man’s surprising family legacy. Simple prose may over-dwell on small banter, yet focuses on wholesome family values and plain old courage that’s passed from generation to generation.

Best for: Older middle grade and pre-teen boys who love mystery adventure.

Discern: Hero uses superpower to see objects’ histories, explained as special human ability; PG-level action and intrigue, complete with captures, escapes, explosions, old statues with secret doors, things on fire, villain threats.