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Synopsis: “Clever and funny with an irresistible premise, this middle grade adventure/comic book hybrid will engage even the most reluctant reader.” —Rick Riordan, author of the worldwide bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus
What if superheroes were real—and you had to become one? A boy is suddenly thrust into the role of a real-life superhero and tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion in this action-packed novel from New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti and award-winning illustrator Dusty Higgins.
When twelve-year-old Miles Taylor unexpectedly inherits a golden cape that gives him amazing superpowers, his life instantly changes: he becomes a superhero. For real. With some help from a new friend named Henry, Miles does his best to protect his city. But his skills and courage are about to be put to the ultimate test—an alien horde is working its way toward Earth, with their sights set on the golden cape…and total domination. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover whether he has what it takes to save all humankind.
What if superheroes were real—and you had to become one? A boy is suddenly thrust into the role of a real-life superhero and tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion in this action-packed novel from New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti and award-winning illustrator Dusty Higgins.
When twelve-year-old Miles Taylor unexpectedly inherits a golden cape that gives him amazing superpowers, his life instantly changes: he becomes a superhero. For real. With some help from a new friend named Henry, Miles does his best to protect his city. But his skills and courage are about to be put to the ultimate test—an alien horde is working its way toward Earth, with their sights set on the golden cape…and total domination. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover whether he has what it takes to save all humankind.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Adventure
Synopsis:
From the Hardcover edition.
In this adventurous retelling of The Prince and the Pauper, the lives of a runaway royal and a carnival worker become intertwined as each is compelled to fight for his life and family. Fans of The Sixty-Eight Rooms and Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy won’t want to miss this.
Lute is a prince, next in line to the throne. Griff is a poor carnival worker who does the heavy lifting while the malevolent ringmaster orders him about. But there’s something special about Griff: he can hear the thoughts of everyone around him. And one day, he begins to connect with Lute’s mind, even though they’ve never met and are miles apart.
When Lute must run for his very life, Griff may be the only one who can help him. In a journey over land and sea, these heroes battle deadly foes and make unlikely allies, including a host of magical creatures and their caretaker, a bitter old dwarf, and a mysterious lady pirate. When the boys finally come together, they will learn they are connected in ways they could never have imagined, ways that may save them—or cost them both their lives.
From the Hardcover edition.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Laura finds out that, Ricky, the boy who created her horrible nickname, "Lard Butt," has moved back into town—and immediately schemes to keep him quiet. After all, she can't let her new swim teammates, especially drool-worthy Noah, hear the horrible name! No way!
She's determined to put a million years between grade school and junior high—even in the face of a father who drives an éclair, a would-be-movie-star mother who suddenly moves back home, and a past that comes back to haunt her with the dreaded nickname.
Although Laura's embarrassed about how she looks in a swimsuit, she tries to stay true to her vow to take risks. She even lets Maria talk her into going to the school dance, where she braves negotiating a truce for a quarreling couple. New friendships form, Laura's mother starts getting too domesticated for Laura's comfort, and hints of romance start to develop—or do they?
Review:
This book should be read by ALL girls no matter what age they are, even if it means reading the book to each other so girls can understand each other's feelings…
This book is so inspiring because as a girl, it is hard not to worry about my size and weight. This book really changed my perception of my body! …
~~Angel, 5 Girls Book Reviews
She's determined to put a million years between grade school and junior high—even in the face of a father who drives an éclair, a would-be-movie-star mother who suddenly moves back home, and a past that comes back to haunt her with the dreaded nickname.
Although Laura's embarrassed about how she looks in a swimsuit, she tries to stay true to her vow to take risks. She even lets Maria talk her into going to the school dance, where she braves negotiating a truce for a quarreling couple. New friendships form, Laura's mother starts getting too domesticated for Laura's comfort, and hints of romance start to develop—or do they?
Review:
This book should be read by ALL girls no matter what age they are, even if it means reading the book to each other so girls can understand each other's feelings…
This book is so inspiring because as a girl, it is hard not to worry about my size and weight. This book really changed my perception of my body! …
~~Angel, 5 Girls Book Reviews
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Romance
Synopsis: Kieran Quinn’s cousin is dead. They found him out in the woods, not a scratch on him. Then things got really weird. A creepy FBI agent is following Kieran around town in a minivan. He’s stumbled upon an odd, not-so-abandoned house in the forest. And his new friends, a quartet of octogenarians who live in the basement of a tiny house on Church Street, are telling stories unlike any he’s heard before.
The sudden death of 12-year-old Kieran’s cousin Michael is the first in a string of perplexing events that forces Kieran to remap his inner and outer worlds. Soon after Michael’s funeral, Kieran befriends the residents of a pair of extraordinary houses who begin to weave an unbelievable story about the true nature of the universe. Spurred on by his desire to find answers about Michael’s death, Kieran ranges over the humid suburban landscape, all the while evading an unfriendly FBI agent whose work may involve a lot more than he lets on. As the line between what is real and what is not becomes a blur, Kieran is propelled ever closer to the scene of Michael’s death. Too close, in fact.
The sudden death of 12-year-old Kieran’s cousin Michael is the first in a string of perplexing events that forces Kieran to remap his inner and outer worlds. Soon after Michael’s funeral, Kieran befriends the residents of a pair of extraordinary houses who begin to weave an unbelievable story about the true nature of the universe. Spurred on by his desire to find answers about Michael’s death, Kieran ranges over the humid suburban landscape, all the while evading an unfriendly FBI agent whose work may involve a lot more than he lets on. As the line between what is real and what is not becomes a blur, Kieran is propelled ever closer to the scene of Michael’s death. Too close, in fact.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Summer vacation is almost here! And Pea O'Neil is stoked to try out the new local BMX track which is finally open. He and his gang of friends can ride all summer long!
But when Pea tries a back flip, he unwittingly opens a portal to another dimension and hordes of flying mutant zombie rats are unleashed upon the city. With the help of an otherworldly talking cat sent to help prevent the demise of humankind, Pea and his friends must hunt down the hungry mutants and send them back before the portal closes.
But when the zombie rats attack a neighbor man, the boys have to enlist the help of a graveyard looney and the city's stray cats. With time running out, Pea and his gang track the monsters to the city's sewer system. But in the city sewer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s eat…or get eaten.
But when Pea tries a back flip, he unwittingly opens a portal to another dimension and hordes of flying mutant zombie rats are unleashed upon the city. With the help of an otherworldly talking cat sent to help prevent the demise of humankind, Pea and his friends must hunt down the hungry mutants and send them back before the portal closes.
But when the zombie rats attack a neighbor man, the boys have to enlist the help of a graveyard looney and the city's stray cats. With time running out, Pea and his gang track the monsters to the city's sewer system. But in the city sewer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s eat…or get eaten.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Adventure
Synopsis: A cynical shelter dog learns to let down his guard and form a new animal family in this heartwarming and humorous friendship story from the author of Santa Paws.
Webster is too cool to be scared. Or alarmed. Or even a tiny bit nervous. So what if no one will adopt him? He’s had it with people anyway. He’s going to be a loner. Not going to get too comfortable in this new shelter, even if the home-baked treats are good. Not going to get used to the nice soft bed. Not going to make friends, no matter how much he kind of likes Jack the Terrier and even Florence the bossy cat. Nope, he doesn’t need friends. Acquaintances are just fine. And the first chance he gets, he’s hitting the road and living life on the range, just like one of the stoic cowboys he’s decided to model himself after.
But sometimes the best-laid plans (even those of a dog’s) have a way of backfiring. Will a tough pup like Webster find a home and family after all?
Webster is too cool to be scared. Or alarmed. Or even a tiny bit nervous. So what if no one will adopt him? He’s had it with people anyway. He’s going to be a loner. Not going to get too comfortable in this new shelter, even if the home-baked treats are good. Not going to get used to the nice soft bed. Not going to make friends, no matter how much he kind of likes Jack the Terrier and even Florence the bossy cat. Nope, he doesn’t need friends. Acquaintances are just fine. And the first chance he gets, he’s hitting the road and living life on the range, just like one of the stoic cowboys he’s decided to model himself after.
But sometimes the best-laid plans (even those of a dog’s) have a way of backfiring. Will a tough pup like Webster find a home and family after all?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: For Reluctant Readers
Synopsis: In a small river village where the water is cursed, a girl’s bravery could mean the difference between life and death in this magical story of “perseverance and hope” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from the author of Parched and Audacity.
Along a lively river, in a village raised on stilts, lives a girl named Luna. All her life she has heard tales of the time before the dam appeared, when sprites danced in the currents and no one got the mysterious wasting illness from a mouthful of river water. These are just stories, though—no sensible person would believe in such things.
Beneath the waves is someone who might disagree. Perdita is a young water sprite, delighting in the wet splash and sparkle, and sad about the day her people will finally finish building their door to another world, in search of a place that humans have not yet discovered.
But when Luna’s little sister falls ill with the river sickness, everyone knows she has only three weeks to live. Luna is determined to find a cure for her beloved sister, no matter what it takes. Even if that means believing in magic…
Along a lively river, in a village raised on stilts, lives a girl named Luna. All her life she has heard tales of the time before the dam appeared, when sprites danced in the currents and no one got the mysterious wasting illness from a mouthful of river water. These are just stories, though—no sensible person would believe in such things.
Beneath the waves is someone who might disagree. Perdita is a young water sprite, delighting in the wet splash and sparkle, and sad about the day her people will finally finish building their door to another world, in search of a place that humans have not yet discovered.
But when Luna’s little sister falls ill with the river sickness, everyone knows she has only three weeks to live. Luna is determined to find a cure for her beloved sister, no matter what it takes. Even if that means believing in magic…
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: “The Nest leaves a lasting mark on the memory.” —The New York Times Book Review
Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? Kenneth Oppel’s (Silverwing, The Boundless) haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, is one of the most acclaimed books of the year, receiving six starred reviews. Illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.
For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered.
All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back?
Celebrated author Kenneth Oppel creates an eerie masterpiece in this compelling story that explores disability and diversity, fears and dreams, and what ultimately makes a family. Includes illustrations from celebrated artist Jon Klassen.
Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? Kenneth Oppel’s (Silverwing, The Boundless) haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, is one of the most acclaimed books of the year, receiving six starred reviews. Illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.
For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered.
All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back?
Celebrated author Kenneth Oppel creates an eerie masterpiece in this compelling story that explores disability and diversity, fears and dreams, and what ultimately makes a family. Includes illustrations from celebrated artist Jon Klassen.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Ginger must save her high-tech hometown from robots gone rogue in this “quirky, dryly funny” (Booklist) science fiction novel from National Book Award–winning author Pete Hautman.
Welcome to Flinkwater, Iowa, home of the largest manufacturer of Articulated Computerized Peripheral Devices in the world. If you own a robot, it probably came from Flinkwater.
Meet Ginger Crump, the plucky, precocious (and somewhat sarcastic) genius who finds herself in the middle of a national emergency when Flinkwater’s computers start turning people into vegetables. Mental vegetables, that is. In Ginger’s words, they’ve been “bonked.”
When Ginger’s father is bonked, she recruits her self-declared future husband, boy genius Billy George, to help her find the source of the bonkings. Soon they’re up against a talking dog, a sasquatch, and a zombie, while Flinkwater is invaded by an army of black SUVs led by the witless-but-dangerous Agent Ffelps from Homeland Security. Can Ginger get to the bottom of the bonkings, or will computer chaos reign forever?
Welcome to Flinkwater, Iowa, home of the largest manufacturer of Articulated Computerized Peripheral Devices in the world. If you own a robot, it probably came from Flinkwater.
Meet Ginger Crump, the plucky, precocious (and somewhat sarcastic) genius who finds herself in the middle of a national emergency when Flinkwater’s computers start turning people into vegetables. Mental vegetables, that is. In Ginger’s words, they’ve been “bonked.”
When Ginger’s father is bonked, she recruits her self-declared future husband, boy genius Billy George, to help her find the source of the bonkings. Soon they’re up against a talking dog, a sasquatch, and a zombie, while Flinkwater is invaded by an army of black SUVs led by the witless-but-dangerous Agent Ffelps from Homeland Security. Can Ginger get to the bottom of the bonkings, or will computer chaos reign forever?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis:
Trouble has returned to Wilder Family Campground. When Cooper and Packrat find their geocache box full of illegal eagle parts, their lazy summer is over. Someone wants those valuable parts back. And if they can’t get the parts back, they’ll settle for holding one of the rare Pine Lake eaglets hostage instead. Cooper, Packrat, and Roy must elude two goons, tolerate an annoying teenager, keep tabs on a shady new camper, and stake out the eagle’s nest—all without getting grounded. Tamra Wight has written an exciting follow-up to Mystery on Pine Lake, a tale ripe with adventure and natural history, but above all, one of compassion and friendship.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Mystery
Synopsis: When Jason and his friends form a garage band, they call it "No Frills" because they want to keep it real—even when they enter a band contest and pressures to alter their image mount. Then one day, due to a close encounter with lightning, Jason's life changes in a big way—but is he magically cooler or is it just his perception?
As he goes from blah to cool, his head swells as he takes his fifteen minutes of fame too seriously. His too-busy mother and fortune-telling grandmother don't get through to him. Even maybe-more-than-a-friend Layla is ready to give up on Jason, especially when he starts flirting with much-older Mindy. Only a rescued kitten keeps him even remotely grounded. It isn't until he loses the friendships with the band mates he once counted on that he realizes he has a major problem, and he worries it might be too late to fix it.
As he goes from blah to cool, his head swells as he takes his fifteen minutes of fame too seriously. His too-busy mother and fortune-telling grandmother don't get through to him. Even maybe-more-than-a-friend Layla is ready to give up on Jason, especially when he starts flirting with much-older Mindy. Only a rescued kitten keeps him even remotely grounded. It isn't until he loses the friendships with the band mates he once counted on that he realizes he has a major problem, and he worries it might be too late to fix it.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Honorable Mention Writer's Digest 2016 Inspirational eBooks
A sophisticated story of empowerment and mysticism balanced with science and wrapped in the rich symbolic language of the fairy tale. Cinderella journeys around the cardinal points of the compass studying with a Fairy Godmother for each direction. She must awaken to the Four Directions on her quest to wholeness and the totality required to become Queen.
FROM THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS senior editor Diane Donavan
"A powerful examination of vulnerability and change that takes the trappings of a well-worn fairytale and injects it with new life. Readers of psychology, fantasy retellings, and self-help books will find Fairy Godmothers of The Four Directions a satisfyingly different approach that succeeds in packing much food for thought into what initially appears to be a simple retelling."
If fairy tales are like life, filled with insurmountable obstacles and heart breaking tragedies, how do we find happiness? Be honest, we are all looking for our happily-ever-after. To find her happiness Cinderella is required to transform from a girl into a Princess. Only a Princess can marry the Prince. This is fairytale speak for becoming a whole person. And the journey to wholeness is through the Four Directions, for her and for you, too.
The Prince explains, "Each direction is a paradigm for inward knowledge and worldly knowledge. A Fairy Godmother will introduce you to the qualities of their specific direction. Resolve the challenges and awaken... Together the Four Directions form the beginning of wisdom. Find the center of the Four Directions to claim your throne."
Like you and me, Cinderella is confused. "Four Directions? Fairy Godmothers? A Throne?"
Prince said, “There are many Fairy Godmothers. I studied with a different Fairy Godmother for each cardinal direction.” He added, “The dangers inherent in running a Kingdom are immense. People have agenda's, they cover deceit with distractions, and some are just plain dangerous when they don't get what they want. The Kingdom (life) requires you know your strengths, see past manipulation and deceit. The Four Directions will teach you..." Experience the adventures with Cinderella as she studies with The Fairy Godmothers of the Four Directions.
A sophisticated story of empowerment and mysticism balanced with science and wrapped in the rich symbolic language of the fairy tale. Cinderella journeys around the cardinal points of the compass studying with a Fairy Godmother for each direction. She must awaken to the Four Directions on her quest to wholeness and the totality required to become Queen.
FROM THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS senior editor Diane Donavan
"A powerful examination of vulnerability and change that takes the trappings of a well-worn fairytale and injects it with new life. Readers of psychology, fantasy retellings, and self-help books will find Fairy Godmothers of The Four Directions a satisfyingly different approach that succeeds in packing much food for thought into what initially appears to be a simple retelling."
If fairy tales are like life, filled with insurmountable obstacles and heart breaking tragedies, how do we find happiness? Be honest, we are all looking for our happily-ever-after. To find her happiness Cinderella is required to transform from a girl into a Princess. Only a Princess can marry the Prince. This is fairytale speak for becoming a whole person. And the journey to wholeness is through the Four Directions, for her and for you, too.
The Prince explains, "Each direction is a paradigm for inward knowledge and worldly knowledge. A Fairy Godmother will introduce you to the qualities of their specific direction. Resolve the challenges and awaken... Together the Four Directions form the beginning of wisdom. Find the center of the Four Directions to claim your throne."
Like you and me, Cinderella is confused. "Four Directions? Fairy Godmothers? A Throne?"
Prince said, “There are many Fairy Godmothers. I studied with a different Fairy Godmother for each cardinal direction.” He added, “The dangers inherent in running a Kingdom are immense. People have agenda's, they cover deceit with distractions, and some are just plain dangerous when they don't get what they want. The Kingdom (life) requires you know your strengths, see past manipulation and deceit. The Four Directions will teach you..." Experience the adventures with Cinderella as she studies with The Fairy Godmothers of the Four Directions.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: 'This was one of the best middle grades book I have read in a while! It was intelligent, fun, engaging, unpredictable, and beautiful!' 5 Stars, Amazon Reviewer
‘A fun story, full of magic and adventure.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
'With charm, wit and laugh-out-loud dialogue and prose, Clarkson has created a story that is destined to become a favorite for middle grade and pre-teen readers!' 5 stars Reader's Favorite
'The Silver Strand is a pick for young adult readers who enjoy stories of magic and fantasy.' Midwest Book Review
'This was one of those “I-got-in-trouble-because-my-parents-caught-me-reading-this-book-under-my-covers-with-a-flashlight-at-ten-o’clock-at-night-on-a-school-night” books.' 5 bookworms This Kid Reviews Books
Science whiz Isabelle Treason has five days to save her magical, silver strand of hair. Succeed and she'll get into Mastermind Academy, a secret school of magic in the underground world of Agartha. Fail and she's as good as dead. No time like the present to embrace her mission.
The Silver Strand is the second book in the Mastermind Academy Series, a children's fantasy adventure, about magical silver hairs, dragons, powerful crystal skulls, advanced crystal technology. Perfect for fans of Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Candy Shop Wars and In the Land of Stories.
‘A fun story, full of magic and adventure.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
'With charm, wit and laugh-out-loud dialogue and prose, Clarkson has created a story that is destined to become a favorite for middle grade and pre-teen readers!' 5 stars Reader's Favorite
'The Silver Strand is a pick for young adult readers who enjoy stories of magic and fantasy.' Midwest Book Review
'This was one of those “I-got-in-trouble-because-my-parents-caught-me-reading-this-book-under-my-covers-with-a-flashlight-at-ten-o’clock-at-night-on-a-school-night” books.' 5 bookworms This Kid Reviews Books
Science whiz Isabelle Treason has five days to save her magical, silver strand of hair. Succeed and she'll get into Mastermind Academy, a secret school of magic in the underground world of Agartha. Fail and she's as good as dead. No time like the present to embrace her mission.
The Silver Strand is the second book in the Mastermind Academy Series, a children's fantasy adventure, about magical silver hairs, dragons, powerful crystal skulls, advanced crystal technology. Perfect for fans of Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Candy Shop Wars and In the Land of Stories.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: From critically acclaimed author Jason Tanamor comes "I Heart Superhero Kid."
The legacy of Superhero Kid is tested when his family's arch enemy, the Evil Man, plots out major sadness during the city's largest public event - the best pizza pie contest. A city filled with happiness - largely due to the protection of Superhero Kid - the Evil Man challenges the area's beloved hero to a hand-to-hand battle.
Lizzy and Carrie, two preteen school girls, obsess over the thought that Superhero Kid may actually be a student at their school. Armed with past yearbooks and determination, the two friends narrow down all the boys in a selfish attempt to reveal the identity of Superhero Kid.
On the day of the best pizza pie contest - the event seeing big named celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, politicians like President Obama and Bernie Sanders, and musicians including The 1975 - the Evil Man makes his move. Taking Lizzy hostage, Superhero Kid arrives to save the day. But not before an epic battle between happiness and sadness. With moves such as snake bite arm twists and Wet Willies, Superhero Kid handles the Evil Man's threat in stride, forcing evil to disappear for good.
The city is once again safe, and Superhero Kid is hailed a hero. However, Lizzy is left unfulfilled. That is until she develops a plan.
"I Heart Superhero Kid" is an epic superhero story told in rhyming verse involving a hero, his arch enemy, and a girl with a crazy mad crush.
The legacy of Superhero Kid is tested when his family's arch enemy, the Evil Man, plots out major sadness during the city's largest public event - the best pizza pie contest. A city filled with happiness - largely due to the protection of Superhero Kid - the Evil Man challenges the area's beloved hero to a hand-to-hand battle.
Lizzy and Carrie, two preteen school girls, obsess over the thought that Superhero Kid may actually be a student at their school. Armed with past yearbooks and determination, the two friends narrow down all the boys in a selfish attempt to reveal the identity of Superhero Kid.
On the day of the best pizza pie contest - the event seeing big named celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, politicians like President Obama and Bernie Sanders, and musicians including The 1975 - the Evil Man makes his move. Taking Lizzy hostage, Superhero Kid arrives to save the day. But not before an epic battle between happiness and sadness. With moves such as snake bite arm twists and Wet Willies, Superhero Kid handles the Evil Man's threat in stride, forcing evil to disappear for good.
The city is once again safe, and Superhero Kid is hailed a hero. However, Lizzy is left unfulfilled. That is until she develops a plan.
"I Heart Superhero Kid" is an epic superhero story told in rhyming verse involving a hero, his arch enemy, and a girl with a crazy mad crush.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Poetry
Synopsis: On the morning of her eleventh birthday, nothing feels particularly celebratory to Liberty Frye. As if being a witch in training isn’t confusing enough, her mother’s mysterious illness has grown worse overnight and her best-friend-turned-foster-sister Ginny is driving her crazy.
Then there’s the matter of the new invention that Uncle Frank has brought to her surprise party. When her freaky powers accidentally activate it, Libby and her unsuspecting party guests are transported into an ocean of darkness. Literally. Soon, they’re running – or rather, sailing – for their lives, chasing after clues while dodging angry islanders and makeshift spells gone awry.
If they have any hope of finding their way home, Libby knows she must confront the dark forces bent on deciding their future. But what she doesn’t know is … how?
Then there’s the matter of the new invention that Uncle Frank has brought to her surprise party. When her freaky powers accidentally activate it, Libby and her unsuspecting party guests are transported into an ocean of darkness. Literally. Soon, they’re running – or rather, sailing – for their lives, chasing after clues while dodging angry islanders and makeshift spells gone awry.
If they have any hope of finding their way home, Libby knows she must confront the dark forces bent on deciding their future. But what she doesn’t know is … how?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Series
Synopsis: In the remote jungle of New Zealand, an old man waits. Some say he is a wizard. Others believe him to be cursed. Abraham lifts his head and watches the sky. It is almost time.
In her lair far away, Drake pours over ancient charts. The McGuire Cache, full of the world's secrets, is close. She drums her fingers on the desk. Her teams have been dispatched to Waitomo Caves to find the cache and the Sinbad treasure. She smiles. Let the old man try and stop her now.
In the high country above Waitomo, a weary farmer sits down with his three children and breaks the news that's been coming for months. The family farm is broke and going on the market.
Nat, Jack and Kathleen stare at their Dad. The world of Nat Sheppard, almost 14, turns upside down. Her little sister climbs onto the roof to see the view one last time and crashes into the attic, discovering a secret room. Inside is an unopened letter to Nat's great, great grandmother, a copy of Sinbad the Sailor, and two cave maps with clues to an ancient treasure.
Drake looks up suddenly. Something's different.
Abraham stands. Finally, the wheels are in motion.
It doesn't look good for Nat and her friends when they're pitted against Drake's gang of ruthless treasure hunters. Abraham has magic and history on his side, but will that be enough?
The Secret of Sinbad's Cave is a non-stop adventure through a mythical imagining of New Zealand history.
In her lair far away, Drake pours over ancient charts. The McGuire Cache, full of the world's secrets, is close. She drums her fingers on the desk. Her teams have been dispatched to Waitomo Caves to find the cache and the Sinbad treasure. She smiles. Let the old man try and stop her now.
In the high country above Waitomo, a weary farmer sits down with his three children and breaks the news that's been coming for months. The family farm is broke and going on the market.
Nat, Jack and Kathleen stare at their Dad. The world of Nat Sheppard, almost 14, turns upside down. Her little sister climbs onto the roof to see the view one last time and crashes into the attic, discovering a secret room. Inside is an unopened letter to Nat's great, great grandmother, a copy of Sinbad the Sailor, and two cave maps with clues to an ancient treasure.
Drake looks up suddenly. Something's different.
Abraham stands. Finally, the wheels are in motion.
It doesn't look good for Nat and her friends when they're pitted against Drake's gang of ruthless treasure hunters. Abraham has magic and history on his side, but will that be enough?
The Secret of Sinbad's Cave is a non-stop adventure through a mythical imagining of New Zealand history.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Series