Twelve-year-old Carly loves her Grampa more than anyone else in the world. So when he dies suddenly, under very bizarre circumstances, she is devastated. A few days later, her Gram tells her that Grampa left her something and hands her a box. There's an envelope taped to the outside of the box with her name on it, and below her name he had written "Only to be opened if something happens to me." Carly ran her hands over the box. What could Grampa have left her that would fit in a box this size?

She turned the envelope over, and gasped. Grampa had written "DO NOT OPEN THE BOX UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE LETTER!!" Carly dropped the letter as if it was a snake. She was totally shocked by her Grampa's use of all capitalized letters and exclamation points, because it was so unlike his easy-going attitude.

She wasn't sure how long she'd sat there staring into space, but when she did finally blink, she got up and walked out the back door. She turned and stared at Grampa's workshop, imagining him waving her towards him. With tears leaking out of her eyes, and the box tucked under her arm, Carly started for home. She didn't know why Grampa had gone all cloak and dagger on her; she only knew that she would do anything for him, even now.

She hid the box under her bed, and carried the letter with her everywhere she went for weeks. She must have re-read it a hundred times trying to decipher its meaning, and especially the intensity of Grampa's words.

By the time her best friend, Patti, discovered the box and accused Carly of keeping secrets, which they'd promised each other they would never do, Carly was worn out from trying to hold her curiosity at bay. So, it was fairly easy for Patti to convince her that it was the right time to open the box. They took the box to the workshop, and placed it on Grampa's desk.

Carly lifted the lid.

Nothing could have prepared them for what was inside that box.

No matter how hard she tries life never seems to go quite right for Gnipper Tallhat, an twelve-year-old gnome determined to receive the recognition her intelligence deserves. This time, however, she's got it all figured out. Finally, her father will have to be proud of her accomplishments...provided he manages to live through them.

A king bent on conquest.
A murderous warrior tribe.
And the slave-girl who dares to stand between them!

Shioni of Sheba: The Enchanted Castle is the first book in a unique African fantasy series set in the ancient Kingdom of Sheba, for middle grades/secondary age readers.

When Shioni, slave to the Princess of Sheba, travels to the legendary Simien Mountains of Ethiopia, she encounters adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Little does she imagine the powerful forces lurking in this jagged volcanic wilderness; forces that could tear the Kingdom of Sheba apart.

Kalcha, the Wasabi leader, has prepared a deadly trap, an evil sorcery rooted within the castle the King has chosen for his fortress. Kalcha is massing her warriors and her giant hyenas, intent on annihilating the Sheban forces.

As the Wasabi attack it is left to Shioni to show the way with courage and the conviction of her heart. Can she overcome the wrath of a lion, outwit the treacherous Captain Dabir, and defuse General Getu’s inexplicable hatred? With the help of her friends Mama Nomuula, Princess Annakiya, and the fiuri Azurelle, Shioni must uncover the hidden secrets of the Enchanted Castle before Kalcha destroys all she holds dear.

What would you do if you found out you weren't entirely human and specially trained hunters were trying to kill you? For Tyranna, a young orphan, it means moving to Rosehaven: a hidden city filled with sword-fighting squirrels, goblin assassins, and a dangerous criminal organization run by an emotionally imbalanced fairy. It might not be the safest place in the world, but when you're Retic it's the only place left.

Available in both eBook and paperback, this fully illustrated book is a must read for kids and grown-ups who have never really grown up.

Be prepared to hold your nose as the Phantom Pumper strikes again. Stare in awe at the giant snail. Feel for Harry the Rat as he desperately tries to find a friend. And dodge the ogres as they attempt to snotify anyone nearby.

Some of the characters are nice. Some aren’t....You decide!

Twelve-year-old Helen Robley believes she is an orphan. She lives with two adoptive aunts until one day she discovers that the drawings she loves to make become reality. Helen is about to discover she is a "Transartist." Using her magic, she travels to the East Pole, home of the creatures that populate children's imaginations ˗˗ creatures like the Sand Man, Cupids, and Toothfairies, who are nothing like their stereotypes. Helen discovers that the East Pole is her birthplace and learns the fate of her parents before she confronts the vain and evil Queen Narcissa. Helen uses a variety of unconventional tools and techniques against the Queen, and in the end is reminded that beauty is on the inside.

Come take a journey with Noah, Maia, and Riley, ages seven, eight, and nine, as they travel to the Hawaiian island of Maui, to be instructed in the hidden mysteries of the ancient water family, that they didn’t know they were a part of. There they will learn ancient secrets of self-defense, medicine, and energy transport, because as Grandfather said, “ You have to learn to crawl before you can walk, walk before you can run, and run before you can fly.” “Grandfather,” said Riley, “I understood all that right up to the, “run before you can fly,” portion.”

Kiana is a thief.

But to be a thief in Pailtar you either join the Thieves' Guild or pay them to work in the city. Kiana wants to join the Guild.

Kiana's adventures take her to places she never dreamed of. Deadly animals, vicious monsters, and angry armies all stand between her and survival...Nobody said being a thief was easy!

 

By the light of leaping flames an old man weaves a heart-pounding tale. A story of a time of great hunger when man and beast might die. Only one boy can save his people and the other creatures from starvation. But he must face a terrifying challenge.

The story combines myth, environmental awareness and the concept of working together. Action and adventure in a short middle grade novel with illustrations.

Life was tough but manageable when orphan Nat had to pick pockets to stay alive. But a house-breaking attempt gone wrong leaves her covered in fur and sporting a tail.

The only way to break the curse? Drip some dragon's blood on her paws.

In the process of facing a beast who has conquered hundreds of knights, Nat will have to come to terms with her deepest fear.

If she fails, the orphan will end up the way she began --- back on the streets, but this time, entirely alone.

BAD DAY FOR BALLOONS

Every child loves a brightly colored balloon.

And Mattie wants lots of balloons for her sixth birthday. Daddy tries to make her happy, but every balloon he brings home comes to an unlucky end.

But Daddy has one special surprise he has been saving to make it the best birthday ever!

When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities.

The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.