Middle Grade Books
The Blackbeard Quartet
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Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove
Book 1 in The Blackbeard Quartet
Written by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Philip Howard & Josh Miller
Juvenile Fiction (Ages 8-12), 341 pages
4 full-page black-and-white illustrations, 12 small line drawings
Paperback, $7.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-09-5
ISBN-10: 0-9749303-1-8
Guided reading level: W; Grade level: 5-6; Reading Recovery level: NA
Set on Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, approaching Halloween festivities find Billy, Daniel, Stephanie, and Mark exhausted from their trip to sea to give their eccentric friend Mrs. Nemmish the pirate burial she insisted on. But now they are trapped in a tunnel, locked in by Zeek, local scoundrel and direct descendent of Israel Hands, who is racing against them to find the hidden treasure. Is the treasure's location on the map that Zeek took from them, or could it be in the very tunnel where they are tripping over skeletons and struggling to find another way out? Luckily, they have allies - ghostly allies of Blackbeard and Mrs. Nemmish herself, who has been taken on board the ghost ship Queen's Anne's Revenge. This rollicking tale magically combines this unruly group of youngsters, Blackbeard's ghost, secret tunnels, skeletons, hidden treasure, a very mysterious inheritance, the Bermuda Triangle, the Underground Railroad, and a hurricane hitting the Outer Banks in a page-turning delight, full of mystery, laughs, suspense, and adventure.
This book also captures much of the essence and rich history of this fascinating location. After 30 years of regular visits to Ocracoke Island, the author has come to know the place and the people, and has enriched this fun tale with real characters, locations, lore, and legends passed down through the generations of residents from the days when Blackbeard had his hideout there. This book is a history lesson of the greatest kind - with the past and the present wonderfully and entertainingly intertwined.
About the Author:
Audrey Penn is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, in addition to Sassafras, Feathers and Fur, A.D.D. not B.A.D., and The Whistling Tree. This first foray into a chapter book format demonstrates that Ms. Penn's talent at storytelling is apparent in any form. She currently resides in Olney, Maryland, near Washington, DC. Visit Audrey Penn's website.
About the Illustrators:
Artist Josh Miller lives in McLean, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC.
Artist Philip Howard resides on Ocracoke Island, NC, and is a direct descendent of William Howard, quartermaster for the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard.
Reviews
"Committed fans of pirate tales will enjoy this, along with girls who like books featuring female characters who aren't afraid to face adventure head on."— Booklist
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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Blackbeard and the Sandstone Pillar: When Lightning Strikes
Book 2 in The Blackbeard Quartet
Written by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Philip Howard & Josh Miller
Juvenile Fiction (Ages 8-12), 400 pages
Hardcover, $15.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-08-8
ISBN-10: 1-933718-08-0
Paperback, $8.95
ISBN-13: 9781933718316
ISBN-10: 1-933718-31-5
Guided reading level: W; Grade level: 5-6; Reading Recovery level: NA
Four young teens from Ocracoke Island, NC, whom readers will know from Mystery at Blackbeard’s Cove, set out on their quest to locate and return some very old pirate loot to its rightful owners. They encounter a few obstacles, but nothing that a little ingenuity, the willingness to break a rule or two, and a handy forklift can't overcome! But the kids have also uncovered even deeper, ancient mysteries their discovery of a third trunk and a strange sandstone, mysteries that Blackbeard’s ghost fears could bring the world to the brink of disaster.
This second book of the Blackbeard Quartet is a great mix of comic adventure, pirate lore, historical mysteries, and the supernatural.
About the Author:
Audrey Penn is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, in addition to Sassafras, Feathers and Fur, A.D.D. not B.A.D., and The Whistling Tree. This continuing series in chapter book format demonstrates that Ms. Penn's talent at storytelling is apparent in any form. She currently resides in Olney, Maryland, near Washington, DC. Visit Audrey Penn's website.
About the Illustrators:
Artist Josh Miller lives in McLean, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC.
Artist Philip Howard resides on Ocracoke Island, NC, and is a direct descendent of William Howard, quartermaster for the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard.
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
Read an excerpt.
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Blackbeard and the Gift of Silence
Book 3 in the Blackbeard Quartet
Written by Audrey Penn
Middle Reader (Ages 8-12), 350 pages
Hardcover, $15.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-11-8
ISBN-10: 1-933718-11-0
Paperback, $8.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-32-3
ISBN-10: 1-933718-32-3
Guided reading level: W; Grade level: 5-6; Reading Recovery level: NA
"There are some secrets so dangerous that they can't be told,
even after death," Blackbeard worries. Daniel, Billy, Stefanie,
and Mark have found the ancient pirate loot and are delivering
it to its rightful owners in London. But the teens have only begun
to scratch the surface of the deeper mysteries they have unwittingly
uncovered, mysteries of the Stone of Scone, the Knights Templar,
and a burglary at Westminster Abbey. These secrets that have been
kept by Blackbeard and others before him through the centuries
by those in the highest realms of power. This title's rich blend
of story elements includes intriguing historical mysteries; a
slapstick comic adventure; and a cast of both familiar and new,
strikingly original characters.
About the Author:
Audrey Penn is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, in addition to Sassafras, Feathers and Fur, A.D.D. not B.A.D., and The Whistling Tree. This continuing series in chapter book format demonstrates that Ms. Penn's talent at storytelling is apparent in any form. She currently resides in Olney, Maryland, near Washington, DC. Visit Audrey Penn's website.
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New for Spring 2012
The Rock of Ivanore
Book One of The Celestine Chronicles
Written by Laurisa White Reye
Middle Reader, 368 pages, Ages 8+, $16.95 hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-933718-60-6
The annual Great Quest is about to be announced in Quendal, a task that will determine the future of Marcus and the other boys from the village who are coming of age. The wizard Zyll commands them to find the Rock of Ivanore, but he doesn't tell them what the Rock is exactly or where it can be found. Marcus must reach deep within himself to develop new powers of magic and find the strength to survive the wild lands and fierce enemies he encounters as he searchs for the illusive Rock. If he succeeds, he will live a life of honor; if he fails, he will live a life of menial labor in shame. With more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and a story in which nothing is as it seems, this tale of deception and discovery keeps readers in suspense until the end.
Middle readers will find that The Rock of Ivanore fits nicely among the traditional fantasies they so enjoy. They will also appreciate its fresh and inventive take on the genre.
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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Recently published
Chengli and the Silk Road Caravan
By Hildi Kang
Middle Reader, 184 pages, Ages 8-12
Hardcover, $14.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-54-5
ISBN-10: 1-933718-54-4
An orphaned Chinese boy joins a caravan to explore the desert and hopefully find out more about his father. A grand adventure set on the fabled trade route.
About the Author:
Hildi Kang is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and as an educator, she taught elementary Special Education. Her writing includes five books for elementary school teachers, an entry in Fire and Wings, the dragon anthology of Cricket Books, and two academic books on Korean history.
When not writing or traveling, she hikes, bikes, and plays cello in a local orchestra. She and her family lived many years in the town of Clarence Center near Buffalo, New York, and currently reside in Livermore, California.
Behind the book:
Hildi Kang is a former educator, a writer, and active traveler, having made trips by foot, bike, and llama. An early love of books and maps led to dreams of the blue-domed mosques of Samarkand and the donkey market in Kashgar. In the 1990s, the borders of previous Communist country opened, and Hildi, her husband, and two companions (plus driver and interpreter), spent a month following the trade routes around the Taklamakan desert in the northwest province of China and crossing into Uzbekistan to follow the road from the cities of Khiva to Samarkand.
At one point, as they drove eight hours on the one and only paved road between Khiva and Bukhara with nothing at all in sight except flat, barren, desolate land, Hildi vividly imagined a camel caravan making the same trip. The realization suddenly hit her that the "trade routes" are still in use: camel caravans have become truck caravans using the same but recently paved road, and travel is still in groups, for the dangers haven't changed. Photos preserve the trip; the story of Chengli shares it.
Reviews
"This fast-paced adventure is filled with friendship, historical detail, changing scenery, and action. It will appeal to a wide range of readers."—School Library Journal
"Cultural practices and beliefs are detailed, and descriptions depict the setting and era...this is reminiscent of the work of Lloyd Alexander...readers who forge ahead will enjoy an interesting adventure."—Kirkus Reviews
"Hildi Kang's captivating story brings the pathways and cities of the historical Silk Road to life while offering vivid lessons in tenacity, integrity, and friendship."—Nan Kim, Asst. Professor of History, Univ. of Wisc.
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See pg. 1.
See pgs. 2-3.
See pgs. 66-67.
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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My Brother the Dog
by Kim Williams Justesen
Middle Reader (Ages 8-12), 200 pages
Paperback, $6.95
ISBN-13: 978-0-9749303-5-0
ISBN-10: 0-9749303-5-0
Guided reading level: W; Grade level: 5-6; Reading Recovery level: NA
Mattie has a couple of dilemmas. FIRST (sigh), her parents are making her babysit her humiliating younger brother nearly nonstop. What could BE more awful than the constant company of a 4-year-old brother who acts like a dog? THEN, her best friend's brother begins to show serious interest in her. Mattie thinks all her prayers have come true, that is, until her best friend Livvy stops returning her phone calls. Is this how a best friend should act? Will she have to choose between her best friend and a budding romance, and who should it be? A family crisis will force Mattie to make some difficult decisions.
About the Author:
This first-time author, Kim Williams Justesen, captures the voice and dialogue of today's girls, along with the drama, the fun, the self-doubt, the awkwardness of this age, and does so with great humor. Visit Kim's website at www.kimwjustesen.com, or read her blog.
Reviews
"Mattie's narration effectively renders the experience a cohesive and accessible one; the tonal range from sarcastic to tremulous to plaintive is absolutely believable. This will strike a chord with middle-schoolers experiencing their own sibling issues and romantic yearnings."— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"It's a summer of choices regarding taking on responsibility, about new relationships, about friendship. That these issues are addressed in a constantly funny way is a tribute to the author's fine hand."— bookviews.com
"Mattie's a funny, compassionate narrator, one that tween girls can instantly relate to; Williams-Justesen has neatly captured the nervousness, the awkwardness, the sheer, unmitigated torture of being 14."— Entertainment Weekly's EW.com
"Williams-Justesen keeps the action lively and the interest level high in this well-written story of teen angst and the little brother syndrome. Teens will be able to relate to Mattie's conflicting feelings about her parents, her brother, her best friend, and her new love interest."— MyShelf.com
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Read an excerpt.
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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Two Moon Princess
By Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
Middle Reader (Ages 10+), 320 pages
Paperback, $8.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-27-7
ISBN-10: 1-933718-27-7
Guided reading level: Z; Grade level: 7 & up; Reading Recovery level: NA
To Andrea, the life of a princess is not a dream; it's tedious
and stifling. But the certainties of her life, both good and bad,
are thrown into chaos when she accidentally travels to an alternative
world, from a cave on a forbidden beach in her family's kingdom
to the warm and carefree life of Southern California. Then a careless
visit to the cave results in terrible consequences: a brewing
war between kingdoms, her sister's love for the wrong man, Andrea's
own conflicted feelings for an enemy leader, and dark family secrets
exposed. Andrea needs to act to resolve problems which she helped
to create, and she faces many difficult choices, torn between
duty and desire on so many levels. Readers will enjoy the mix
of traditional elements of the fantasy genre, with fresh ideas
and a look at our culture through the eyes of a stranger.
About the Author:
First-time author Carmen Ferreiro, originally from Spain, currently
resides in Doylestown, PA, near Philadelphia. Visit Carmen on her website at www.carmenferreiroesteban.com.
Reviews
"Here is the truth--I liked this book more than--do I dare say it? More than Graceling by Kristen Cashor...Two Moon Princess has fantasy, action, romance, a strong-willed girl who kicks butt with her bow and arrow, and an arrogant and equally strong-willed boy who manages to open his heart to Andrea. Who does not want to read this?"— Athenasbooks.blogspot.com
"Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban expresses some great ideas and sneakily teaches a few excellent lessons in Two Moon Princess."— bookloon.com
"This is a book that is hard to put down and will quickly ignite the imaginations of middle grade readers, especially girls seeking adventures of their own."— Children's Literature Network
"In her first novel, Ferreiro-Esteban shows potential and presents an interesting take on old world vs. new world ...Two Moon Princess is worth a second look."— School Library Journal
"This is a strong title that will appeal to teens who like fantasy with adventure, romance, and strong female protagonists."— Wandsandworlds.com
"I loved Two Moon Princess! There was always something happening, rendering it impossible to be bored. With a completely original plot, it included practically every genre - fantasy, romance, action, adventure, and contemporary - so I think everyone will be able to find an aspect that they enjoy. Consistently thrilling and packed with exciting plot twists, it was extremely hard to put down."— thepageflipper.blogspot.com
Heartland Reviews gave Two Moon Princess four hearts! Read the review.
"Fast paced, enchanting, and humorous, Two Moon Princess is definitely a book that you will not want to miss. Don't be fooled by the demure cover, this one headstrong princess's journey will make you wish that Andrea's story would never end as she learns that she can be a lady and still follow her heart."— thecompulsivereader.blogspot.com
"TWO MOON PRINCESS is a wonderful book that kept me up turning its pages and reading well into the night. I
was transported into Andrea’s world and didn’t want to leave. There was never a dull moment or a bland
character. The author’s parallel worlds were richly described and all the characters grew throughout the story.
This story was full of adventure, and the romance was an unexpected surprise. This is a great pick for readers who
enjoy fantasy but also great for readers who like romance in their stories. I’m excited to see the author is working
on a sequel, which I hope to read soon."— teensreadtoo.com
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Young Adult Books |
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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Recently published
Ashfall
By Mike Mullin
Young Adult, 476 pages, Ages 14+
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-54-5
ISBN-10: 1-933718-55-2
Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park don’t realize that the boiling hot springs and spraying geysers are caused by an underlying supervolcano, so large that the caldera can only be seen by plane or satellite. And by some scientific measurements, it could be overdue for an eruption.
For Alex, being left alone for the weekend means having the freedom to play computer games and hang out with his friends without hassle from his mother. Then the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, plunging his hometown into a nightmare of darkness, ash, and violence. Alex begins a harrowing trek to seach for his family and finds help in Darla, a travel partner he meets along the way. Together they must find the strength and skills to survive and outlast an epic disaster.
Ashfall is featured in this NPR Books article: "The Teens Are All Right: 2011's Top 5 YA Novels." Read it here.
Mike Mullin talked about Ashfall with Barbara Gray on Around Cincinnati, 91.7 WVXU. Listen to an mp3 here.
About the Author:
For lots of fun stuff about this book and the author, please visit the author's website at www.mikemullinauthor.com.
Reviews
"In this chilling debut, Mullin seamlessly weaves meticulous details about science, geography, agriculture and slaughter into his prose, creating a fully immersive and internally consistent world scarily close to reality."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"First time author Mullin has a winner here!"—Library Media Connection, starred review
"The book is well written and its protagonists are well-drawn, particularly the nontraditional and mechanically inclined Darla...this is a riveting tale of survival."—Publishers Weekly
"ASHFALL by Mike Mullin is an amazing debut novel and seems to have captured the hearts and minds of reviewers. After being glued to the pages and unable to stop reading, I will predict this is going to be very popular with young adult readers. Fans of Gone in particular will be demanding this is available on the day of the October release since the buzz is out there."—Diane Chen, School Library Journal Practically Paradise blog
"Mike Mullin catapults readers into a surreal, cataclysmic world that will hold them until the last page. If you aren't exhausted by the end of the first thirty pages, you may want to check your pulse. ASHFALL is the perfect book for reluctant teen readers who 'can never find anything good to read'."—Dave Richardson, The Blue Marble Children's Bookstore, International Reading Association's READING TODAY book reviewer, and Cincinnati State College children's literature professor
"The scariest apocalypse is one that could really happen. Mike Mullin's ASHFALL is way too real for comfort: you'll live the panic and despair and know that all of this could really happen. It will be a long time before you get the taste of volcanic ash out of your mouth. This isn't fantasy, this is real."—Michael Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Gone, Lies, Hunger, and Plague
"This is riveting. Fans of post-apocalyptic thrillers like The Hunger Games will love ASHFALL."—Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of The Exiled Queen and The Warrior Heir
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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68 Knots: A Novel
By Michael Evans
Young Adult (Ages 15-19), 350 pages
Paperback, $8.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-24-8
ISBN-10: 1-93371-24-2
Guided reading level: Z; Grade level: 7 & up; Reading Recovery level: NA
After the sailing camp owner's suicide, eight teens find they
have a boat to themselves. The 68 days of summer remaining are
full of memorable events: encounters with wildlife and people,
yacht races, pirate raids, a near fatal hunt for treasure, onboard
parties, romance, and a call to heroism. Underlying the tale of
adventures, however, is a subtle yet powerful story of awakening,
of teens on the cusp of adulthood. They get to know that gap between
who they are and who they want to be by experiencing tests of
physical, emotional, and mental limits. A stirring debut, this
novel examines issues of late adolescence with authenticity that
will speak to YA readers.
About the Author:
Michael Evans, an award-winning journalism professor at the University
of Indiana, lives in Bloomington, Indiana. Read a biography of Michael Evans, read an interview with him on teensreadtoo.com, and visit his website.
Reviews
"Reading 68 Knots is an experience that will have you waiting impatiently for a summer experience of your own. [more]"— flamingnet.com, Top Choice
"For a coming-of-age novel -- and some sailing -- check out this well-written, thought-provoking book from Michael Evans."— www.bookheaven.blogspot.com
"This classic coming-of-age novel, set in a fresh and novel location, featuring teens facing and overcoming modern-yet-universal obstacles is a winner by all counts. Though it is Michael Robert Evan's first novel, readers - certainly this one - will wait eagerly for his next."— myshelf.com
"68 KNOTS is a very fun read, and I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and diverse, and the book is full of
great details about sailing a ship. Even though the crew of the (ship) gets into some pretty sticky situations,
anyone who reads this is bound to want to go out and experience the same summer at sea as these kids - I know I do!"— teensreadtoo.com, 5 stars
Read a review of 68 Knots at CoastalBoating.net.
"A great ship, amazing characters, and total freedom at sea--a terrific story!"—NY Times bestselling author Linda Greenlaw
"Teens who fantasize about being pirates should pick this one up."—Remarkable Reads, School Library Journal
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
Here's the paperback cover:
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Coming in Paperback March 2012
Surviving the Angel of Death: The Story of a Mengele Twin in Auschwitz
Written by Eva Kor and Lisa Rojany Buccieri
200 pages, Ages 12 and up
Hardcover with jacket, $14.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-28-6
ISBN-10: 1-933718-28-5
Paperback, $8.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-933718-57-6
ISBN-10: 1-933718-57-9
Eva Mozes Kor was 10 years old when she arrived in Auschwitz. While her parents and two older sisters were taken to the gas chambers, she and her twin, Miriam, were herded into the care of the man known as the Angel of Death, Dr. Josef Mengele. Mengele's twins were granted the "privileges" of keeping their own clothes and hair, but they were also subjected to sadistic medical experiments and forced to fight daily for their own survival, as most of the twins died as a result of the experiements or from the disease and hunger pervasive in the camp. In a narrative told with emotion and restraint, readers will learn of a child's endurance and survival in the face of truly extraordinary evil.
The book also includes an epilogue on Eva's recovery from this experience and her remarkable decision to publicly forgive the Nazis. Through her museum and her lectures, she has dedicated her life to giving testimony on the Holocaust, providing a message of hope for people who have suffered, and working toward goals of forgiveness, peace, and the elimination of hatred and prejudice in the world.
About the Authors:
Eva Mozes Kor is a resident of Terre Haute, IN. She is a recognized speaker, both nationally and internationally, on topics related to the Holocaust and social justice. She has been covered in numerous media outlets and is the subject of a documentary, Forgiving Dr. Mengele.
Lisa Rojany Buccieri has written over 100 children's books, including several award-winning and bestselling titles. She is also a publishing executive and editor with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Lisa lives with her family in Los Angeles. For more on Lisa's work, see her website at www.EditorialServicesofLA.com.
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Praise for the book:
"Eva Mozes Kor has written a very moving and vivid account of an extraordinary and horrific experience. It is an important document showing the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to forgive. She should be commended for having the courage to write about her traumatic childhood, leading to the forgiveness that freed her from hatred and brought her peace. May it inspire others to emulate her."—Archbishop Desmond Tutu
"Keep a box of tissues at hand, because this book is one of the most challenging emotional roller coasters I have ever read. Definitely worth reading for people of all ages."—teensreadtoo.com.
"I found the book to be compelling reading and in fact read it at one sitting. The strength of Surviving the Angel of Death lies in its simple style and the clear picture of life before the Holocaust and after liberation, which adds a very important dimension to the testimony. This remarkable story is an important entry point in the teaching of Holocaust History and the many issues which emerge from it, not least of all the triumph of the human spirit."—Richard Freedman, National Director, South African Holocaust Foundation
"With all this biographical information, besides just the time at Auschwitz, the reader really gets to know and relate to Eva and Miriam. This will help children put a face on the Holocaust, bringing their history lessons to their hearts as well as their minds."—Jen Fitzgerald, Associate Director, Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
"Eva Kor's Surviving the Angel of Death redefined my understanding of suffering. That one so young could triumph over such grotesque evil and still celebrate life and goodness is both a mystery and an inspiration. If this book doesn't move you, nothing will."—Philip Gulley, Author of Front Porch Tales and Harmony series
"A compelling story."—School Librarian's Workshop "Eva's story will have the reader hooked until the very end...Readers of all ages will remember her narrative and will be inspired by it. This book is an essential purchase for libraries with a Holocaust collection, but it would also be a valuable addition to any library with young impressionable readers."—VOYA
"A masterful, searing, and mind-numbing account of twin ten-year-old sisters who entered the Nazi camp of horror and evil and emerged as survivors...her first-person narrative voice lends powerful credence to the power of the human spirit and the strength of the will to live despite incredible odds...The reader will not want to stop reading."—Assembly of Literature for Adolescents
"Her gripping story will indeed ensure you never forget."—Chicago Tribune
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