Books

Middle Grade Fiction Has Two New Award-Winning Novels

ByMichael Thal December 7, 2016

Earlier this month the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards announced its winners in its Middle Grade Fiction category. Taking First Place was Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems: The Crystal Cavern (Book3) by Anthony Pardoe. The Second Place winner was Koolura and the Mayans (Koolura Series Book 3) by Michael Thal. The Royal Dragonfly Book…

Childhood Diabetes Uncovered

ByMichael Thal December 3, 2016

Nine-year-old Portia Maddox needs to use the restroom every time she drinks water. She’s always thirsty and hungry and still bone thin. School Nurse Bryant recommends a doctor appointment, and Dr. Thomas confirms her suspicions—Portia has childhood diabetes. She now needs to test her blood regularly and inject herself with insulin; which turns out to…

The Enchantress Detective

ByMichael Thal December 2, 2016

Elle Chambers is a witch detective who works for Edinburgh’s coven. So when Ferguson Black, a Scottish solicitor and werewolf goes missing, its Elle’s job to find him and ensure this dangerous supernatural being doesn’t hurt anyone. Elle’s liaison with the coven is Rebecca, a powerful witch who keeps her “supplied with investigation jobs that…

Tennis Love

ByMichael Thal December 1, 2016

Mackenzie Bell is Hillcrest High’s top female tennis star. When matched up against Tabor Julian, one of the school’s best jocks, Mac wins. At home, Mac isn’t such a star with her mother, Delilah, who tends to ignore her daughter for the affections of male suitors. When introduced to Roger Carmichael, Mac becomes livid, because…

The Time Hunter Series Begins

ByMichael Thal November 18, 2016

Becky Mellor, age 13, is prepared for her worst summer vacation. She has to spend it with her little brother, Joe, at Uncle Percy’s stately mansion, Bowen Hall. To make matters worse, Internet access at the mansion is questionable. Little does Becky realize that her entire life is about to change when she and Joe…

The Whizbang Machine

ByMichael Thal November 15, 2016

About the Book Title: The Whizbang Machine Author: Danielle A. Vann Genre: YA After years of running from his tragic past, Jack Yale books a flight home. With him is a typewriter that is intended to be a gift for his granddaughter, Elizabeth. The minute Elizabeth’s fingers cradle the large black and cream keys the…

Liz Keel’s Inspiration for Enlightenment

ByMichael Thal November 10, 2016

After losing everything, all seventeen-year-old Thea wanted was to be a normal teenager. Instead, she was attacked by a mysterious creature she thought only existed in fairy tales. Now thrown into the unknown realm of Faey, Thea is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite…

The Sailweaver’s Son

ByMichael Thal November 9, 2016

Tak Spinner, the 15-year-old son of Taktinius Spinner, the Royal Sailweaver, is a mischievous boy who enjoys sailing his airship, the Arrow, in and around the Kingdom of Spire testing the security of the Royal Fleet, to their continuous annoyance. One day, Tak follows the Vigilance, commanded by Captain Adam Strake. Since Etherium, Tak’s home…

Spotlight on the Cedar Creek Mystery Series

ByMichael Thal October 25, 2016

The Cedar Creek Mystery Series by Anne Louder McGee consists of three books—The Mystery at Marlatt Manor, The Mystery of the Missing Ming, and The Mystery Beneath Midville Museum. McGee’s Cedar Creek Mysteries are an episodic series where each story is self-contained, but her books feature the same primary characters and independent storylines. Mystery at…

Book Blast: 2016 Books by SCBWI Authors

ByMichael Thal October 19, 2016

The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCWBI) is holding its annual six-week Book Blast promotion that started October 10 and will continue until November 18, 2016. Book Blast highlights traditionally and independently published books on individual author pages. Picture books for young children, chapter books for older readers, middle grade novels and young…