The Grave Digger
In 1875 Ohio, twelve-year-old Cap Cooper is an aspiring inventor—and a reluctant graverobber—enlisted by his father to help pay for his mother’s medical expenses. When one of the dead returns to life at his touch, Cap unearths a world of dark secrets that someone at the local medical school wants to keep buried. On the brink of discovery, he’ll have to use every ounce of cunning he has to protect those he loves most and save his own skin. The Grave Digger is an eerie mystery set in the aftermath of the Civil War, filled with action, friendship, and a hint of the paranormal, perfect for those who enjoy reading late into the night and long after the lights go out.
The Grave Digger was a surprising read. I expected an adventure filled suspenseful tale but the novel was much more than that. It was very informative with the way it painted the time period authentically. There was mystery and adventure, of course, both aspects which would attract middle grade readers, but the story also tackled more serious issues in a thoughtful way. A very satisfying read.”
Early Reviewer
The French Impressionist
Rosemary is fifteen and gloriously free, on her own for the very first time. Part of an exchange program for aspiring artists, she arrives in southern France with one goal: she doesn’t plan to leave, ever. She wants a new life and a new identity. But her situation, crafted from lies big and small, is precarious. As Rosemary struggles to hide her lack of artistic talent and obvious communication disorder from her new family, she must ultimately choose whether or not she’ll tell the biggest lie of all, even if it means destroying the life of someone she cares about.
With enough mystery to keep adults entertained, readers will not be able to put this down. Rosemary suffers from a speech issue but this enhanced the story instead of making it feel like a morality tale focused on accepting people with disabilities. The well-crafted story line was excellent. Rosemary can come and live with me anytime. One of the best YA books of the year.
Entrada Book Review
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