The Koolura Series: YA Fantasy at It’s Best

 

 

 

Twenty-four years ago author Michael Thal began what would become The Koolura Series. His prime motivation at the time was to get his daughter Channie excited about reading. Then in the sixth grade, she promised to read the book upon its publication. Good for her word, even though she was twenty-eight years old, Channie read and loved The Legend of Koolura. She wasn’t the only one, so when his youngest daughter, Koren was in college, Thal traveled to her campus and the two explored the mountains outside Santa Barbara. They discovered a beautiful lake and a summer camp. That was the spark needed for Koolura and the Mystery at Camp Saddleback. A few years later, Channie, Koren, and the author traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico for cousin Adam’s wedding. They visited a Mayan archeological site, Monte Alban, where the writer got a brilliant idea. Koolura gets transported back in time to meet the ancient Mayans. 

Now you know the story behind The Koolura Series, here are blurbs and reader reviews of each book in the series.

The Legend of Koolura

Koolura isn’t an ordinary girl. She has what every child dreams. She has the COOL.

Koolura has doubts about herself. She and her father have relocated so often she has few community ties. Here, at her new school, for the first time in her life she feels right at home.

Koolura is a sixth grade Armenian girl and this story tells how she obtained the cool powers and gradually learns to use them. She has the ability to dematerialize at will and reappear where she chooses. She can move objects with her mind and she can even defy gravity!

But will these powers be of any use in stopping a stalker intent on the destruction of Koolura and her friends? He’s determined to retrieve Koolura’s unrealized cool powers with the mysterious decoolerizer.

The hour approaches for her final confrontation with her nemesis, the stalker believed to be responsible for her mother’s death.

Editorial Reviews of The Legend of Koolura

Books and Pals said, “[The Legend of Koolura] is packed full of life lessons that will enhance developing minds of young readers everywhere.

Midwest Book Reviews said, “Michael Thal takes young readers on an adventure that couples magic super powers with the everyday life of intermediate grade students. Through his main character, Koolura Akopyan, a young sixth grade girl, Thal explores the complexities of school kid friendships, the adjustments needed to manage in today’s multicultural classrooms, and the importance of good values.

Jennifer Leese of the Best Reviews said, “The Legend of Koolura is a wonderfully written book that tells the story of friendships, rejections, and of course, magic powers. Koolura and her story will keep your middle grade reader turning the pages. The dialogue will thrill them and they’ll find themselves thinking about the realistic characters long after they’ve finished reading. I highly recommend THE LEGEND OF KOOLURA and Michael Thal as an author to label as a new favorite.

Koolura and the Mystery at Camp Saddleback

Koolura has the ability to teleport, levitate, heal, and even fly. But at Camp Saddleback, Koolura wakes up drained and powerless. Who or what has stolen her psychic powers?

As Koolura searches for the truth about her power loss, she and the Chumash Girls have to deal with pranksters ruining their cabin and destroying their summer. Campers plan revenge but problems escalate as lives are threatened. Will Koolura and the Chumash Girls solve the mystery at Camp Saddleback?

Editorial Review

Red City Review says: Koolura Akopyan just graduated from the sixth grade, and, for the most part, she seems like any other “tween.” She likes popular music, movies, gossiping with her friends, and spending time with cute boys. But there’s much more to this young Armenian gal than meets the eye–and, when you find out her secrets, you’ll be shocked, surprised, and thoroughly entertained.