The Mastermind’s Trap (Last Chance Academy #2)
Written by Debbi Michiko Florence
Published by Aladdin
After winning a scavenger hunt with her new friends—Tana, Zane, and Ryan—Meg Mizuno is looking forward to winter break and enjoying their grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to California. But after learning that their boarding school, Leland Chase Academy (called Last Chance Academy by students), is in danger of shutting down, it’s hard to enjoy the sun and surf.
When they return, the Head of School reminds the student body of their mandatory participation in the Student Showcase, with the goal of bringing in needed funds to the school. If that weren’t enough pressure, Meg discovers a new note: the Mastermind wants her to help him with one more scavenger hunt. This time, though, she must work alone, or else the Mastermind will not only ruin the school, but also publicly reveal secrets about all her friends that would turn their lives upside down.
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Primary ISBN: 9781665950503
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Japanese/Japanese American
Themes: Arts, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Genre: Mystery, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend
Setting: United States (New York, California)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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