When seventeen-year-old Stephen's hulking bio-engineered pet, Scratch, is accused of killing a local rancher's livestock, Stephen; his robot mechanic Beethoven; and his sixteen-year-old friend Jennie, bundle Scratch into a farm utility vehicle and drive off into the desert. Eventually, they seek refuge on the estate of a reclusive industrialist who invites them to join a plot to remove a key corrupt government official from office--an official secretly involved in a nationwide drug-dealing operation involving bio-engineered life forms. Stephen and Jennie set about the difficult task of collecting the hard evidence needed to bring the drug traffickers to justice. But it's not easy. In order to succeed they must face a night-time attack in the industrialist's mansion, a harrowing air-ship flight from Arizona to Seattle, a holographic dragon hunt in which the hunters become the hunted, and a wild three-day bio-engineering convention that nearly turns Jennie into a pumpkin!

"We are off on a race against time, through such specific geography from West Coast to East - Seattle to Savannah - that the land itself is part of the adventure. J. Marshall Martin (in his second novel) slips 16 year old Tripp into the driver's seat of his father's beloved black Thunderbird. Unfolding quick page by quick page, Tripp fulfills the last request of his powerful grandfather - to 'kidnap' him from a nursing home and return him to their real home (for both of them) Savannah. Grandfather guides as backseat driver and Tripp travels to try to keep his memory of his mother, while his father is locked away in grief over her death. Hobble, companion and fellow traveler, rides shot-gun as a salami eating, unstoppable three legged dog. Then they are joined by Angie, in all black, with pierced belly button, purple hair and dragon tattoo, hitching her way to find somewhere, too. Martin has powered this novel with the soft spots and rough edges milled by these strong characters in the act of finding how hard the responsibility is to step off into a new part of their lives. Who will Tripp be once back home after going against his father's demands, while aiding the irrepressible will of a sneaky, quirky grandfather." -- Carol Lee Lorenzo, author of "Nervous Dancer."

It's summertime in Bed-Stuy "Do or Die" Brooklyn, and Kate is feeling down in the dumps. Not only is she tired of her raggedy, tomboy image, but she's also missing her best friend, Felicia, who's away for the summer. Lonely and not exactly getting along with her new foster mother, Lynn, Kate so badly wants to be out and about, twirling pretty, and partying---and maybe catching the attention of her longtime crush, Charles. Opportunity knocks one hot summer day when fly-girl Naleejah struts her stuff straight up to Kate and takes a seat. Full of smiles, Naleejah tells Kate that she remembers her from school, but Kate can't remember ever having such a fabulous chick trying to befriend her. Kate's suspicion turns to trust once Naleejah gives her a much-needed makeover. Now a brand-new Kate suddenly has the attention of her dream boy. But is Naleejah checking for him, too? Against Kate's better judgment, she ignores the warning signs, and continues to let Naleejah lead her down a treacherous path. Soon, what seems like a fun and exciting summer ends up being a harsh reality check. Now Kate must decide how to get back on the right track . . . or is it already too late?

In Emiline's world, there are thousands of species of mice, some rarer than others. Mousehunters travel the world collecting the rarest and most special breeds, from the wily and deadly Sharpclaw Mouse to the dog-sized Elephant Mouse and the quick-as-lightning Comet Mouse.For Emiline, a mousekeeper in the employ of wealthy Isiah Lovelock, there is no greater dream than becoming a famous mousehunter. So when she is given the opportunity to join the hunt for the legendary pirate Mousebeard, she sets off on the most dangerous, most thrilling, most swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime.The Mousehunter is an extremely accessible, dark and thrilling story, featuring original black & white illustrations, maps and character portraits.