A Sea Monster Conundrum

The Misfits #3

by Lisa Yee, Dan Santat (Illustrator)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES • When there are suspicious sightings around the bay (ghosts?! a sea monster?!)—who're you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs, that's who! The Misfits are on the case in the hilarious series from Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat!

“For any kid who’s felt like a misfit, this crackling adventure packs a wallop!” —Lincoln Peirce, creator of Big Nate

Oof! When reports of ghosts arise around an abandoned lighthouse, Olive and her elite team of underdogs are immediately thrust into a brand new case. After all, ghosts don’t exist . . . right?

Real or not, the ghosts draw quite a crowd at Olive’s beloved Reforming Arts School, or RASCH (not “rash”). Turns out everyone wants a glimpse of the ghosts, including . . . the nearby marine life?!

Between RASCH’s ghosts and newfound tourism, rumors soon spiral out of control about a sea monster in the bay—snagging unwanted attention from a corrupt mogul. What is going on at RASCH? Does the mythical creature really exist, and can the Misfits save it from being captured? The team will have to dive deep to get to the bottom of San Francisco’s most legendary mystery. . . .

For other Misfit adventures, don't miss The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum and The Misfits #2: A Copycat Conundrum!

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2026

About the author

Lisa Yee has written over 20 novels. Her most recent book, Maizy Chen's Last Chance, is about a fifth-generation Chinese American girl, and is a National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor, and the Asian Pacific American Children's Literature Award winner.

Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.

Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.

Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.

You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.

Reviews

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Misfits, working for the NOCK agency, is a group of students at the Reforming Arts School (RASCH), thought to be the underdogs, when they're together they can solve any mystery big or small. Lead by Olive, the misfits also include Phil, Iggy, James, and Theo. When they hear about ghost sightings around the old abandoned lighthouse, they can't help but investigate because ghosts don't actually exist right? What seems like a small rumor blows up drawing crowds and marine life to the area. Unfortunately for one particular sea creature, the once small rumor now has blown up into a rumor about a massive sea creature in the bay. Can the misfits save Big Frannie and her baby from an evil mogul who wants to hurt them?

One of the things I love about this series is the friendship and teamwork needed to accomplish so much. From detailed plans to laugh out loud moments, there isn't a single second of the book that isn't grasping my attention or propelling the story forward. I loved the first two books in the series, and I enjoys this one too. Can't wait to see what The Misfits are up to next!

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 3rd book in the series was as exciting as the others. Full of adventure, friendship, ingenuity, and silliness- it will delight young readers.

Everyone can relate to not feeling like you fit in at some point in your life, this book is a nod to the fact that everyone fits in somewhere. You just need to find the right place and the right people.

[Tweller83]

I received a free copy from libro.fm as part of the educator audiobook listening copies. All opinions are my own. #librofm #randomhouseaudio