Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume is a charming middle-grade novel about friendship, adventure, and finding one’s voice. The story follows Cornelia S. Englehart, an 11-year-old girl living in New York City. As the daughter of a famous pianist, Cornelia often feels lonely and overshadowed. She escapes into books and impresses (or annoys) people with her vast vocabulary, using long, complicated words to keep others at a distance. Everything changes when a glamorous new neighbor, Virginia Somerset, moves in next door. Virginia is a world traveler with a past full of daring adventures, which she shares with Cornelia through captivating stories. As Cornelia listens, she begins to see the world—and herself—in a new light, realizing that life is meant to be lived boldly, not hidden behind words. This novel beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, the power of storytelling, and the importance of friendship.