Twelve-year-old Cassie King’s father always told her all she had to do was work hard and things would go her way. But then Cassie’s father died, her mom retreated into herself, and her best friend traded her in for the popular crowd at school. The only thing Cassie still has is the volunteer work she does at the local library, a place where she can leave her troubles behind. Unfortunately, classmate and school outcast Joe Robinson is always there doing the same thing.
One day, while Cassie and Joe are leaving the library, a bizarre storm hits, trapping them in a narrow alley. In the storm’s aftermath, Cassie discovers a bedraggled little kitten abandoned in a smelly dumpster. Cassie feels an immediate connection to the kitten and takes him home. But the kitten — who Cassie names Albert — is a little odd, with impossible strength and agility for a creature his size. One afternoon, while Albert is alone in her room, a strange symbol appears on the closet door. With new friend Joe’s help, Cassie figures out the symbol is a map. But a map to what?
The friends soon discover that Albert is much more than he appears and is in grave danger. Keeping him safe is the first thing Cassie has believed in for a long time. But is she strong enough to face down a sinister enemy moving ever closer and protect everything she loves? Seekers of the Wild Realm meets My Diary from the Edge of the World in this poignant and action-packed series opener from best-selling author Beth McMullen.
"Central to the mystery are a rainbow-haired librarian with a notebook of secrets and a professor who rants about the existence of dragons. While experienced readers may anticipate some of the reveals, there is plenty of action to keep them invested. Balancing the serious notes are the feel-good elements in this story of a girl who finds courage and true friendship after great loss. The first book in a new series, it ends with a twist that will have readers eagerly awaiting the sequel.... Fans of fantasy adventures will find a lot to love." — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 10 - 13 |
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Author | Beth McMullen |
ISBN | 1534482857 |
Publication Date | Mar 1, 2022 |
Publisher | Aladdin |
Series Name | Secret of the Storm |
Language | English |