The Secret Library
Travel through time in a page-turning fantasy adventure about family secrets and finding the courage to plot your own life story.
Since Grandpa died, Dally’s days are dull and restricted. She’s eleven and a half years old, and her exacting single mother is already preparing her to take over the family business. Starved for adventure and release, Dally rescues a mysterious envelope from her mother’s clutches, an envelope Grandpa had earmarked for her. The map she finds inside leads straight to an ancient vault, a library of secrets where each book is a portal to a precise moment in time. As Dally “checks out” adventure after adventure—including an exhilarating outing with pirates—she begins to dive deep into her family’s hidden history. Soon she’s visiting every day to escape the demands of the present. But the library has secrets of its own, intentions that would shape her life as surely as her mother’s meticulous plans. What will Dally choose? Equal parts mystery and adventure—with a biracial child puzzling out her identity alongside the legacy of the past—this masterful middle-grade fantasy rivets with crackling prose, playful plot twists, and timeless themes. A satisfying choice for fans of Kindred and When You Reach Me.
★ “Multiple award-winner Magoon has crafted an engrossing story that skillfully combines a coming-of-age story with fantasy and historical fiction. Dally is an irresistible protagonist, full of curiosity and longing for the joy she experienced with her grandfather. The lively, well-written narrative contains many surprises, pulling readers into Dally’s life and the incredible choices she must make. A deeply satisfying, page-turning, genre-defying read.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Magoon (Chester Keene Cracks the Code) champions self-determination while examining race and gender constructs in this high-spirited, South Carolina–set fantasy. . . . Whimsical worldbuilding, swashbuckling action, and buoyant third-person narration complement Magoon’s vibrant character portraits and twisty, nuanced plot.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “The Secret Library is a spellbinding tale of self-determination and family history….
Smatterings of black-and-white art reinforce the whimsical nature of
this masterpiece….a gratifying, adventure-filled novel that’s sure to stand out in middle grade collections.”
—Foreword, starred review
★”Magoon’s novel is like the very best of children’s fantasy literature, in that for all its whimsy and magic, it also carries something almost ineffably, crucially human: what it is to be alive, what it is to grow up. In that way, Magoon has more than earned her place on the shelf of life-changing, classic children’s fantasy novels.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (BCCB), starred review
“The story is full of clever touches, including the librarian’s responsibility to clothe Dally appropriately for each time-travel destination. Her adventures aboard a nineteenth-century treasure-hunting pirate ship are particularly exciting. . . a memorable, original concept within an involving novel.” —Booklist
“An engaging adventure, brimming with mysteries, chock-full of history, and full of twists you’ll never see coming. Once you step into The Secret Library, you’ll never want to leave.”
—Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honoree
The Blue Stars Series, Mission One: The Vice-Principal Problem
Two everyday superheroes set out to save the world—starting with their middle school—in an exciting new graphic novel series from two award-winning authors and a debut illustrator.
When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs. Meanwhile, introvert Maya misses her parents, on active duty in Japan, and just wants some space to herself. At school, Maya joins Robotics Club and Riley bonds with fellow gymnasts. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes. Riley is savvy with people; Maya is a whiz with gadgets. In no time, this dazzling duo is off to save the day! Relatable and rich in themes of family, community, and compromise, the Blue Stars series will entertain and empower, inspiring readers to be the stars they are.
★ “This middle-grade graphic novel, the first in a series, has everything: nuanced and empowered protagonists, a funny, gripping story, age-appropriate treatment of social issues, and expressive comic illustrations begging to be lingered over. Readers will come away inspired to raise their own voices and take action to create positive, peaceful change in their communities. A fresh new graphic series sure to engender a devoted following.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Bustling slice-of-life plot beats by Magoon (Chester Keene Cracks the Code) and Smith (Harvest House), paired with animated art by debut illustrator Murakami, culminates in a realistically rendered and impeccably paced graphic novel series opener that accessibly highlights the importance of youth involvement in local politics.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
This first entry in a new graphic novel series from acclaimed authors Magoon and Smith is a great introduction to the main characters and focuses on kids having a voice. It dips slightly into community activism but focuses more on the girls’ transition from a rough start to bonding over a mutual desire to make their school a better place for everyone. Presented in a modern, stylized cartoon style, this thoughtful and timely story featuring a multigenerational, multicultural family will find wide appeal. —Booklist
“This story has layers that will appeal to many different kinds of readers. It’s a sweet and thoughtful story about military families, friendship, and girls learning to trust each other. . . . Murakami’s cute and cartoony artwork pops with color and will hook readers into the excitement of the story. . . . A thoughtful, funny, and memorable story about family, friendship, and cooperation. Purchase for all middle grade collections.” —School Library Journal
The Season of Styx Malone
Caleb Franklin and his big brother, Bobby Gene, have the whole summer ahead of them to explore the woods behind their house in Sutton, Indiana. Caleb longs to venture beyond their small town, but their dad likes the family to stay close to home.
Then Caleb and Bobby Gene meet new neighbor Styx Malone. Styx is sixteen, and he oozes cool. He promises Caleb and Bobby Gene a summer of adventures, but soon the brothers find themselves in over their heads. Styx has secrets—secrets so big they could ruin everything.
In this madcap, heartwarming, one-thing-leads-to-another adventure, friendships are forged, loyalties are tested…and miracles just might be possible.
Want to know more? Kekla answers frequently asked questions here.
★ “Heartening and hopeful, a love letter to black male youth grasping the desires within them, absorbing the worlds around them, striving to be more otherwise than ordinary. Please share.”—Kirkus Review, starred review
★ “Spending time with Styx, Caleb, and Bobby Gene is an experience no reader will soon forget. “—Horn Book, starred review
★ “Interweaving themes of risk taking and trust, betrayal and forgiveness, Magoon (How It Went Down) crafts a novel that is genuinely funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting—extraordinary, in fact.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Reminiscent of now-classic works by Katherine Paterson, Natalie Babbitt and Lois Lowry, The Season of Styx Malone brings the darkness of fear and trauma into the bright sun of summer days.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “A summertime romp filled with trouble-making, camaraderie, and substance.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Shadows of Sherwood
(A Robyn Hoodlum Adventure #1)
The night her parents disappear, twelve-year-old Robyn Loxley must learn to fend for herself. Her home, Nott City, has been taken over by a harsh governor, Ignomus Crown. After fleeing for her life, Robyn has no choice but to join a band of strangers–misfit kids, each with their own special talent for mischief. Setting out to right the wrongs of Crown’s merciless government, they take their outlaw status in stride. But Robyn can’t rest until she finds her parents. As she pieces together clues from the night they disappeared, Robyn learns that her destiny is tied to the future of Nott City in ways she never expected.
Kicking off a new series with an unforgettable heroine and a diverse band of characters, readers will be treated to feats of courage and daring deeds as Robyn and her band find their way in this cruel, new world.
Want to know more? Kekla answers frequently asked questions here.
Visit the For Teachers page to download a Readers Theater scene from Shadows of Sherwood.
“A compelling reboot of the Robin Hood myth.” —Rick Riordan, bestselling author of Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus
Rebellion of Thieves
(A Robyn Hoodlum Adventure #2)
Robyn Loxley can’t rest now that she’s the #1 Most Wanted Fugitive, Robyn Hoodlum. The harsh Nott City governor, Ignomus Crown, may have increased the reward for her capture, but this won’t stop Robyn from masterminding her biggest mission yet: infiltrating the governor’s mansion to rescue her parents.
The perfect opportunity arises when the Iron Teen contest comes to Sherwood. If Robyn scores high enough, she’ll be invited to a dinner at the mansion. But performing well in the contest could put her directly in Crown’s sights. Can she and her crew of misfit friends pull off such a grand scheme, or are they walking into bigger trouble than they can handle?
Want to know more? Kekla answers frequently asked questions here.
★ “A satisfying and nuanced follow-up to this hit series. Readers will anxiously anticipate the next installment.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Reign of Outlaws
(A Robyn Hoodlum Adventure #3)
When twelve-year-old Robyn Loxley set out to save her parents, she never could’ve predicted that she would become Robyn Hoodlum, leader of the rebellion against the harsh government led by Ignomus Crown. But Robyn’s attempt to free her parents has failed, and on top of that, her friends have been captured. And now Crown has given her 72 hours to turn herself in–or else.
Now Robyn must decide between sacrificing herself, saving her parents and friends, or advancing the rebellion. With the stakes higher than ever, will Robyn be able to succeed?
With an unforgettable heroine and a diverse band of characters, readers will be on the edge of their seats in this action-packed, much-anticipated series conclusion.
Want to know more? Kekla answers frequently asked questions here.
★ “Thrilling. . . . This exciting page-turner will undoubtedly be a hit.” —School Library Journal on SHADOWS OF SHERWOOD (starred review)
Camo Girl
Set in the modern-day suburbs of Las Vegas, biracial sixth-grader Ella Cartwright finds herself caught between two worlds. She is drawn to the popular new boy, Bailey—the only other black student in the school—but also loyal to her best friend, Z, a geeky boy whose social status, like hers, is bottom-rung, and with whom she has shared an incomparable friendship. A relationship with Bailey means a chance at popularity for Ella, but Z is far too weird to ever be accepted by his classmates. When push comes to shove, where will Ella turn for real friendship?
Want to know more? Kekla answers frequently asked questions here.
Visit the For Teachers page to download teaching resources for Camo Girl.
- 2012 NAACP Image Award Nominee, Outstanding Literary Work Youth/Teens
★ “Elegantly crafted….a full and richly textured narrative.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Infinity Riders
(Voyagers #4)
Earth is in danger! The only things that can save our planet are six essential elements scattered throughout the galaxy. And it is up to the Voyagers—a team of four remarkable kids and an alien—to gather them all and return to Earth.
On the fourth planet, Infinity, the Voyagers journey deep underground, through a complex maze of tunnels. The tunnels are full of alien life—and danger. And before they can escape, one of their own will be taken from them. . . .
Do you have what it takes to be a Voyager? Find out at VoyagersHQ.com.
Want to know more? Kekla answers frequently asked questions here.
The Flag Never Touched the Ground
In 1863, the US Civil War was raging. Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had freed over 3.5 million African-American slaves, and now the Union Army began to recruit a second all-Black regiment of soldiers to join the fight. William Harvey Carney answered the call.
As the struggle against the Confederate South raged on, the newly-formed 54th Massachusetts regiment prepared to attack the seemingly impregnable fortress of Fort Wagner. The odds were heavily against them; the fort had never been taken and it was up to the 54th to prove Black soldiers had what it took to serve their country. America was watching them – and when the bugle sounded they marched towards the guns, flag held high.
“Riveting stories about real people who found themselves in dangerous situations and prevailed… these engaging books bring history to life.”
—Booklist, on the True Adventures series