Allie Shad

One diary. One secret. One girl brave enough to bring the truth back to light. Some secrets aren't meant to stay hidden. They're meant to be found. When thirteen-year-old Emma Johnson discovers her grandmother's attic diary, she uncovers a clue that leads to a locked room, a forgotten map, and a story her town quietly erased. Determined to uncover the truth, Emma and her best friend Alex follow each clue deeper into a mystery that someone has worked hard to keep buried.
As old symbols, hidden rooms, and town records collide, Emma realizes her own family played a role in a forgotten chapter of history. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she understands what's really at stake: courage, integrity, and doing what's right-even when the adults around her won't. Perfect for readers ages 10-14 who love: page-turning mysteries with real stakes hidden rooms, old diaries, and secret symbols brave girl detectives and clue-based adventures family secrets and town history mysteries emotional, character-driven stories with courage at the core Parents and teachers will appreciate the themes of honesty, responsibility, research skills, and standing up for what matters.
The Diary of the Forgotten Heir is a gripping middle-grade detective adventure about friendship, family, and the courage it takes to speak the truth-even when history tries to stay silent.