Family secrets lead to a fantasy world in this dazzling fantasy debut from Todd Mitchell. Darren and Jackie Mannahan thought they lived in an ordinarily unhappy family, where some things were never discussed. But an unexpected, shadowy visitor suddenly propels them into a mystery they didn't even know existed—the mystery of where exactly their family came from, and why it's now in ruins. After tracking down many clues and signs, Darren and Jackie discover an alternate world where their family used to rule—and was banished in disgrace. Can they redeem the family name ... and discover whether their lineage is truly evil, or if there's more to the story than that?
Author
Todd Mitchell is the author of several award-winning middle grade and YA novels including The Last Panther (Penguin Random House), The Traitor King (Scholastic), The Secret to Lying (Candlewick), and Backwards (Candlewick). He has two new books coming out in fall 2021—one for writers, artists, and creators titled Breakthrough: How to Overcome Doubt, Fear, and Resistance so that You Can Be Your Ultimate Creative Self, and a middle grade novel that's recently been optioned for film/TV development titled The Namer of Spirits. He lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he kayaks, mountain bikes, and teaches creative writing at Colorado State University. He loves speaking with young readers and writers. You can visit him (and learn about his squirrel obsession) at www.ToddMitchellBooks.com About THE NAMER OF SPIRITS: “A dangerous town carved out of unforgiving forest, a young girl who can name spirits and tame monsters, a race against time to save the natural world: The Namer of Spirits is what readers want and the world needs.” —New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer About THE LAST PANTHER (winner of the Colorado Book Award, the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature, and a Green Earth Honor Book Award): "BRILLIANT! A boldly original, profoundly wise, deeply moving book. It’s a rare gift to any reader, as well as to our planet." —T. A. Barron, author of the Merlin Saga "A powerful tale." —KIRKUS "Difficult to put down. An important addition on a timely subject." —SLJ About THE SECRET TO LYING (winner of the Colorado Book Award, for ages 14 & up): "Engrossing and entertaining... a great read." —PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY About BACKWARDS (winner of the CAL Award, for ages 13 & up): “[A] suspenseful paranormal novel. …at once thought-provoking and satisfying.” —School Library Journal About THE TRAITOR KING (Scholastic Press, for ages 8 & up): "Humor, menace, and mystery suffuse this fast-paced tale... This well-written tale is a must for most fantasy readers." —School Library Journal Other projects: I co-wrote a graphic novel that came out with Vertigo Comics (part of D.C.), called A FLIGHT OF ANGELS (selected as a YALSA Top Ten Pick for Great Graphic Novels for Teens). BROKEN SAVIORS, an alien invasion graphic novel series for ages 13 and up. You can read the first few issues of BROKEN SAVIORS on my website for free. Or find it in full HD on ComiXology! http://www.toddmitchellbooks.com
