First published 2025
Maya Mendoza has made herself the unofficial detective of Marlowe Middle School. She tracks who passes notes during class and notices when teachers wear uncomfortable shoes. She also sees that her former best friend Jordan won't speak to her anymore. Then someone breaks into the legendary Contraband Closet and steals everything inside. Hot Wheels cars, spray paint cans, bouncy balls, and countless other items teachers have confiscated over the years disappear overnight. Jordan had something in that closet too. Maya decides to solve the case. She believes finding the missing contraband might repair her broken friendship with Jordan. After all, stolen goods don't just vanish completely. Neither do friendships. Maya starts investigating the theft, hoping to recover what was lost and restore what used to be.
Genres: friendship, mystery, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mystery-solving
Setting: Marlowe Middle School
224 pages · Library Binding · Random House Books for Young Readers