Thursday, May 15, 2008

Flags of Our Fathers


In February 1945, American Marines plunged into the surf at Iwo Jima—and into history. Through a hail of machine-gun and mortar fire that left the beaches strewn with comrades, they battled to the island's highest peak. And after climbing through a landscape of hell itself, they raised a flag.Now the son of one of the flagraisers has written a powerful account of six very different young men who came together in a moment that will live forever.To his family, John Bradley never spoke of the photograph or the war. But after his death at age seventy, his family discovered closed boxes of letters and photos. In Flags of Our Fathers, James Bradley draws on those documents to retrace the lives of his father and the men of Easy Company. Following these men's paths to Iwo Jima, James Bradley has written a classic story of the heroic battle for the Pacific's most crucial island—an island riddled with Japanese tunnels and 22,000 fanatic defenders who would fight to the last man.But perhaps the most interesting part of the story is what happened after the victory. The men in the photo—three were killed during the battle—were proclaimed heroes and flown home, to become reluctant symbols. For two of them, the adulation was shattering. Only James Bradley's father truly survived, displaying nocopy of the famous photograph in his home, telling his son only: "The real heroes of Iwo Jima were the guys who didn't come back."

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Angel Isle


ONCE THE 24 MOST powerful magicians in the Empire pledged to use their magic only to protect the people. But the promise that bound them has now corrupted them. They have become a single terrible entity with a limitless desire for domination. Only the Ropemaker may be able to stop them, but he has not been seen for over 200 years. Into this dangerous world come Saranja, Maja, and Ribek. They seek the Ropemaker so that he might restore the ancient magic that protects their valley. It is the task they were born to, but now it seems there is far more than the valley at stake should they fail. . . .

Bratfest at Tiffany's


Massie Block: The Briarwood boys have invaded OCD and are taking over everything. Worse, the soccer boys have become so popular that the Pretty Committee's alpha status is in serious jeopardy. So Massie lays out a New Year-New Pretty Committee rule: Anyone caught crushing on a boy will be thrown out of the NPC-forever. But will she be able to follow her own decree when she sees that Derrington has ditched his shorts-obsession in favor of ah-dorable jeans?


Alicia Rivera: Is the opposite of onboard with the boyfast. Her crush, the Ralph Lauren-luh-ving Josh Hotz, is more irresistible than crème brûlée fro-yo. But is he worth losing her spot in the NPC? And taking on the wrath of Massie?


Dylan Marvil: Is so ready for the boyfast. She's straightened her unruly red hair and permanently pressed boys out of her life. If only she could do the same with curly fries and caramel popcorn.


Kristen Gregory: Has traded her sporty-chic Pumas for Billabong board shorts and a shark tooth necklace. She claims she's sworn off boy-crushes, so what's with her Blue Crush makeover?


Claire Lyons: Spent all summer thinking about Cam's one blue eye and one green eye. But now he's moved on to a new girl faster than you can say cuh-yutest couple. At least Claire finally has a secure spot in the NPC-unless jealousy-flirting breaks the boyfast. . . .


The Clique: The only thing harder than getting in is staying in.

Vanishing Acts


Delia Hopkins has led a charmed life. Raised in rural New Hampshire by her widowed father, Andrew, she now has a young daughter, a handsome fiancé, and her own search-and-rescue bloodhound, which she uses to find missing persons. But as Delia plans her wedding, she is plagued by flashbacks of a life she can't recall. And then a policeman knocks on her door, revealing a secret that changes the world as she knows it.
In shock and confusion, Delia must sift through the truth -- even when it jeopardizes her life and the lives of those she loves. What happens when you learn you are not who you thought you were? When the people you've loved and trusted suddenly change before your eyes? When getting your deepest wish means giving up what you've always taken for granted? Vanishing Acts explores how life -- as we know it -- might not turn out the way we imagined; how doing the right thing could mean doing the wrong thing; how the memory we thought had vanished could return as a threat.

The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things


Fifteen-year-old Virginia Shreves has a larger-than-average body and a plus-size inferiority complex, especially when she compares herself to her slim, brilliant, picture-perfect family. But that’s before a shocking phone call — and a horrifying allegation — about her rugby-star brother changes everything. With irreverent humor and surprising gravity, Carolyn Mackler creates an endearingly blunt heroine who speaks to every teen who struggles with family expectations, and proves that the most impressive achievement is to be true to yourself.

Bullyville


My father was killed on 9/11.


When eighth grader Bart Rangely is granted a "mercy" scholarship to an elite private school after his father is killed in the North Tower, doors should have opened. Instead, he is terrorized and bullied by his own mentor. So begins the worst year of his life.

The Clique Summer Collection: Massie


Massie gets BE-yoo-tiful: After Massie Block gets kicked off her high horse and out of her ultra exclusive Westchester riding camp, her parents force her to do the unthinkable-find a summer job. Not one for dog-walking or brat-sitting, Massie comes up with the ah-bvious solution: She'll be a sales rep for the cosmetics brand Be Pretty. Massie fully hearts her new role as fairy gawdmother of makeup-until she discovers transforming LBRs into glam-girls takes more than a swish of her royal purple mascara wand.

Someday's Dreamers Vol. 1



Yume innocently uses her magic to help the people she encounters--soccer players, the wrongly incarcerated, or two young lovers wanting to see the moon on a cloudy night. And you can bet that Yume's magic leads to new adventures--and a few mishaps!

Vampire Kisses Vol. 1


The absolute last thing goth-girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, need is another hitch in their nighttime-only romance--but dark trouble hovers on the horizon when Raven and Alexander discover four freshly dug graves filled with empty coffins. When a crew of sketchy vampires takes up residence in Dullsville's lonely graveyard, Alexander finds this motley bunch led by his very own blood-sucking cousin, Claude Sterling. Shocking! Claude and his creepy crew can only spell out more problems for the pair, especially when Raven finds them in daylight in the very last place she could ever imagine. What could Claude and his invaders be doing--or searching for--in Dullsville?

X-Men: First Class


For millions of years, mankind's place on Earth was unchallenged—until five young people paved the way for a new kind of human. While students at the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast and Iceman taught the world what it meant to be X-Men. These are the hidden stories of the team that laid the foundation of a mutant dynasty!

Translucent Vol. 1


Teen-centric, quirky and romantic, Translucent will appeal to shojo fans who like a little twist with their gakuen mono! Shizuka is an introverted girl, dealing with schoolwork, boys, and a medical condition that begins to turn her invisible! She finds support with Mamoru, a boy who is falling for Shizuka despite her condition, and with Keiko, another girl who suffers from this illness and has finally turned completely invisible. The mysterious disease that these teens struggle with becomes a metaphor in the ordinary lives of the students in their classes, as they try to work their way through their friendships and romances. Writer and artist Kazuhiro Okamoto knows how important surfaces are to people, especially at such a pivotal time in one's life—when dreams are meant to be chased, despite all hurdles. Translucent's shifting variables between what people can see, what people think they see, and what people wish to see in themselves and others makes for an emotionally sensitive manga, peppered with moments of surprising humor, heartbreak and drama.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Vol. 1


Imagine a Neon Genesis Evangelion where choosing the right girl is more important than saving the world! That's the gist of Angelic Days—the hit manga that Eva fans have been waiting for! Based on a popular PC and Playstation 2 game released only in Japan, Angelic Days takes the angst-ridden Eva pilots and sets them in a lighter, brighter world.

Spider-girl: Avenging Allies Vol. 3


The adventures of Spider-Man's daughter continue as Mayday Parker faces defeat and disgrace at the hands of Darkdevil, the Avengers, and Kaine! Plus: Beset by problems in her civilian guise, Spider-Girl teams up with Speedball to take on Mr. Abnormal!

Suki Vol. 1



Hina is an innocent young schoolgirl, straightforward and honest with her feelings. When a new neighbor moves in next door, she is instantly drawn to him, although he seems to be aloof. The next day at school, her new neighbor turns out to be her new substitute teacher, Aso Shiro. His presence creates a commotion at the all-girls school.Hina likes the simple things in life . holding hands, hugging cats, walking home together, etc. And being able to experience these things with Aso fills Hina with a warm fuzzy feeling - is this love?

Change of Heart


Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth?


One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen.


For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.


Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish?

Bang!


Mann lost his younger brother, Jason, two years ago–an innocent bystander in a shooting on his own porch. These murders are a frequent occurrence in Mann’s neighborhood. They’re so common, in fact, that he and his best friend, Kee-lee, keep a running tally of all the deceased, since no one else seems to be paying attention. Even that is not enough.
More and more, Mann escapes reality through painting and horseback riding, but eventually turns to fighting, cheap thrills, and much worse. In a last-ditch effort, Mann’s father does the one thing he thinks will teach his son how to survive. Drawing from an ancient African tradition, he abandons Mann and Kee-lee in the woods, leaving them to navigate their way home, alone.
What seems like a good idea quickly turns tragic when a father’s good intentions force his son down a destructive path. Could anything be worse than losing one son? Another wrong turn and it will all be over for Mann as well. Bang!

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning


Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride and the other members of "Flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It seems like a dream come true--except that they're still being hunted by new threats at every turn.


This time, the US government wants to keep the Flock under observation, offering a safe haven and schooling in return. But after their incredible adventures in books 1-3, Max and Flock have grown to love freedom- -after all, haven't grown-ups always found a way to ruin their lives? After escaping the control of the feds, they are surprised to find themselves allied with a group of environmental scientists who just might be trustworthy. Besides, what enemy could find them in one of the remotest locations on earth--Antarctica--on an expedition studying the effects of global warming up close?


There is one: The Uber-Director--literally, brains on a stick--an evil being who has developed mechanical soldiers far more frightening than Erasers. Their quest? To retrieve the Flock and sell them in a global auction for billions of dollars. Will the Uber-Director nab them before Max, Fang and the flock succumb to the dangers of the harsh Antarctic wilderness? Kids, parents and educators tuned into the issue of global warming will find this latest episode of the blockbuster Maximum Ride series not only a particularly riveting adventure beyond their wildest dreams, but also a motivating cautionary tale about a real-life peril that may affect their own future.

The Battle of the Labyrinth


Percy Jackson isn’t expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse. In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos’s army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth–a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn.

My Sister's Keeper


Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

Animorphs 1: The Invasion


We can't tell you who we are. Or where we live. It's too risky, and we've got to be careful. Really careful. So we don't trust anyone. Because if they find us...well, we just won't let them find us. The thing you should know is that everyone is in really big trouble. Yeah. Even you. There's a massive outdoor concert coming to town. Offspring. Alanis. Nine Inch Nails. Marco refuses to miss it. He even has a great idea for getting in, uh, free: He and Jake will morph dogs. Marco thinks it's a perfect set up (especially since girls LOVE cute dogs). And even though Jake doesn't agree at first, he finally decides that if Marco goes to the show someone should be around to watch him. Right?

Mass Effect: Revelations


Every advanced society in the galaxy relies on the technology of the Protheans, an ancient species that vanished fifty thousand years ago. After discovering a cache of Prothean technology on Mars in 2148, humanity is spreading to the stars; the newest interstellar species, struggling to carve out its place in the greater galactic community.


On the edge of colonized space, ship commander and Alliance war hero David Anderson investigates the remains of a top secret military research station; smoking ruins littered with bodies and unanswered questions. Who attacked this post and for what purpose? And where is Kahlee Sanders, the young scientist who mysteriously vanished from the base–hours before her colleagues were slaughtered?


Sanders is now the prime suspect, but finding her creates more problems for Anderson than it solves. Partnered with a rogue alien agent he can’t trust and pursued by an assassin he can’t escape, Anderson battles impossible odds on uncharted worlds to uncover a sinister conspiracy . . . one he won’t live to tell about. Or so the enemy thinks.

The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn


Being in Japan in 1735 was like being in a different world. Feudal customs, superstitions, and a caste system almost as rigid as India's made life difficult, but interesting for an outsider to read about. At twelve, Seikei is on a trip with his tea-merchant father, and he's not really enjoying himself. He is charmed to see a travelling Kabuki troupe at the same inn, and he watches their every move. When a daimyo, a lord, comes to the inn demanding service, Seikei notices that one of the actors pays particular attention to him. Why? And when the daimyo claims that a jewel has been stolen from him and makes wild accusations, how will the real criminal be caught? Enter Judge Ooka, an historical figure, a real-life Nero Wolfe. This fast-moving adventure brings 18th-century Japan to life.

The Glass Castle


Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.


Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.


What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.

Under the Blood-Red Sun


Tomi was born in Hawaii. His grandfather and parents were born in Japan, and came to America to escape poverty.


World War II seems far away from Tomi and his friends, who are too busy playing ball on their eighth-grade team, the Rats.


But then Pearl Harbor is attacked by the Japanese, and the United States declares war on Japan. Japanese men are rounded up, and Tomi’s father and grandfather are arrested. It’s a terrifying time to be Japanese in America. But one thing doesn’t change: the loyalty of Tomi’s buddies, the Rats.

Seeker


This first novel in the Noble Warriors sequence begins when sixteen-year-old Seeker's older brother is publicly humiliated and--with no explanation--exiled from the Nomana, a revered order of warrior monks. Seeker refuses to believe that his beloved older brother is capable of committing a betryal that would warrant such severe consequences, so he sets off alone on a journey to rescue his brother and find out at last what really happened.


Along the way he meets two other young people who are on quests of their own, and in a shocking turn of events, the three are soon caught up in a harrowing and bloody race to save the Nomana--and themselves--from destruction.


An epic coming-of-age story about courage, friendship, desire, and faith, Seeker marks the beginning of a riveting new series.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Suki Vol. 2


Book-smart but street-hopeless Hina is making friends with her crush/teacher/next door neighbor Aso-sensei -- whether he likes it or not!Or is she ...?Unbeknownst to Hina, Aso is not the mild-mannered teacher he appears to be. In fact, he has just escaped a sordid past, is on a top secret 'job' right now ... and his target seems to be Hina! Hina's friends distrust his willingness to spend time with her. And sketchy author Tomoaki Aso's former acquaintance and Hina's new 'friend' appears to be watching both of them with great interest.Meanwhile, Hina is starting to get phone calls with no one on the other end ... footprints in her flower garden and items in her house completely rearranged. Can Aso-sensei keep her out of danger ... or is being with him the greatest danger of all?

Orphen Vol. 3


Orphen receives a nocturnal visit from a most unwelcome visitor—a ghost! Ethereal entities are the least of Orhpen's worries, though, as hired assassins and ghastly snake men appear, hungry for blood. It's going to take a little help from the curvaceous Hirietta to provide some answers, but Orphen might not like what he finds when a trip to a ruined mansion brings him face-to-face with a powerful yet familiar evil...

Yotsuba&! Vol. 3


When Asagi brings her a gift from Okinawa, Yotsuba is determined to return the favor—no matter what! Her search for the perfect present takes her to the park, but what will Asagi think of this hand-picked offering? As night falls and fireworks season kicks in, the sparks will fly (and so will Jumbo)!

Skip-Beat Vol. 1


Kyoko always thought that Sho, whose family took her in when she was small, was her prince charming. However, when Sho heads for Tokyo to make it big as a musician, Kyoko goes with him and has to quit high school to support his dream. But soon, being in the big city makes Kyoko realize that she has show business ambitions of her own!

Anima Vol. 2



Shunned and branded as outcasts, the +Anima continue to search for their place in a perilous world... When Cooro is tricked into helping a nearby town, the +Anima must unite if they are to ever see their friend again. But after crossing paths with a new +Anima, will the bitter sting of betrayal tear this group apart?

Orphen Vol. 4


The sorcerer Orphen is on a magic-for-hire mission, and along with his wand-wielding understudy and bone-headed companion, he must retrieve a magical ring from the mansion of a beautiful young woman. This should be no sweat for the seasoned sorcerer, but a sweet-tempered maid with an interest in the black arts will complicate an already sticky situation.

Beauty Pop Vol. 2


In Kiri's school there are 3 boys who carry out transformations on random pretty girls; Narumi Shougo, the hairstylist, Minami Kei, the nail artist and Ochiai Kazuhiko who balances the overall look. They are adored by the girls because they are so good at making them beautiful. However, Kiri is also a master hairstylist who is willing to 'add some magic' for those who need it, but in disguise. Now Kiri is forced to face the three in a showdown with Narumi.

Hollow Fields Vol. 1


Little Lucy Snow was meant to be enjoying her first day at the nice elementary school in town; however, a macabre twist of fate sees her enrolled instead at Miss Weaver's Academy for the Scientifically Gifted and Ethically Unfettered—also known as Hollow Fields. Located on the outskirts of Nullsville and run by the insidious Engineers, the grim boarding school dedicates itself to raising the next generation of mad scientists and evil geniuses.

Anima Vol. 3


Shunned by society, the +Anima continue their search for acceptance in a world that has labeled them as anything but "normal."
As Cooro and company arrive in a new town, Igneous and his army show up once again to create new problems for the +ANIMA. Will Cooro ever find a place where he and his companions can call home? Or will they remain wanderers and outcasts...forever?

Destiny's Hand Vol. 1


Destiny's Hand: a pirate ship that cannot be sunk led by a dying Captain who will not give up. His final wish before he dies is to find the legendary Devil's Eye. And who does he appoint to lead his fearless crew in search of the lost treasure, but Olivia Soldana, a brash 16-year-old girl who can outdo any man.

Kodocha Vol. 8


What is Kodocha? It's the smash-hit comedy series from Japan about what happens when a child star Sana Kurata tries to "fix" the problems of everyone around her. And there are a LOT of problems to solve. Hayama went to find a classmate but found trouble instead. Even though Sana has a live show to do, she puts everything on hold until she is certain that Hayama will be all right. Will Hayama survive, and even if he does, will there be permanent damage? It's do-or-die drama as his life hangs in the balance.

Kare Kano Vol. 2


You know that couple that was obviously meant for each other, and everybody knew it, except them? That"s Yukino and Soichiro, the two top students in school, who are capable of anything other than a normal relationship. Still, despite all they"ve been through, it seems they could finally be getting together. But now, the school"s token pretty boy, Hideaki, is intent on wedging himself in between them, for reasons they can"t begin to imagine.

Kingdom Hearts: Vol. 2


Sora, Donald, and Goofy continue their quest to rescue King Mickey and young Riku. But will they find them in time? And who is the strange Kairi look-alike that Sora sees in his vision? Could she be somehow connected to the shadowy "Organization"...or is she another lost soul in need of rescue?

Arana: the Heart of the Spider


She's fierce, she's sassy...she sticks to walls! Amazing Fantasy is where it all begins: Meet an all-new, all-different heroine! Fiona Avery (Amazing Spider-Man) and Mark Brooks (Marvel Age Spider-Man) launch a surprising series of teen-friendly adventures set in the current Marvel Universe! Sugar and spice and everything nice—that's what this little girl is totally not made of!

Kare Kano Vol. 1


Straight As, athlete and overall "Ms. Popularity," Yukino, is the perfect student. Or at least that"s how she appears to the outside world. But when the curtains are drawn, a lazy young egomaniac lurks who will do anything and everything to be the top student in her school. Yukino finds her resolve put to the test as after years as the Idol of her class a threat emerges in the MORE perfect Soiichiro. A good-natured, studious and athletic boy he is her equal in every way but one – that behind the act is a genuine heart driven to succeed. Yukino is desperate to regain her status anyway she can, but through embarrassing flub-ups at every turn, Soiichiro remains untouched even as they find respect for one another, and maybe, after all the dust has cleared, something more.

Kingdom Hearts: Vol. 1


The second installment of the popular Kingdom Hearts video game series makes its way into print as a manga adaptation. Readers follow Roxas, an energetic young boy enjoying his last days of summer vacation, as he struggles to understand the mysterious dreams of a boy named Sora and the appearance of a group of monsters whom fans will recognize as reminiscent of the "heartless" of the first Kingdom Hearts. Together with his friends Hayner, Olette and Pence, Roxas soaks up the last precious moments of summer, while forces of good and evil conspire to disrupt these peaceful, lazy days.

Naruto Vol. 27


Everything changes as Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto part ways to begin new training, each with different mentors. You'll never believe whom they choose. Plus, take a trip back in time as we finally learn the true story of Kakashi's greatest secret!

Undertown: Vol. 1


This fantasy manga presents the right mix of familiar tropes along with new ideas that should capture the imaginations of more than a few readers. Pascoe's story stars young Sama, a boy whose father is in the hospital following a heart attack. Sama wants to mend his father's health, but feels powerless in the face of the situation. A strange old man tells him of Undertown, a magical place that holds, among other things, the Sugar Stone, a magical object that could help Sama's father. After transporting to Undertown, Sama is thrown right into the middle of a land at war. Insects and "Furmen," such as the anthropomorphic rabbit and hedgehog Sama befriends, vie for control of the Sugar Stone.

Betrayal


Found: One girl, age 13. Unconscious. Unharmed. Unclaimed. Unidentified.


Lost: Everything.


JD is on the run, searching for answers about her past. . . and about the strange and dangerous abilities she's beginning to discover she has. She knows she can't trust the memories implanted in her mind by the mysterious Dr. Styron, but they still feel real--and they won't stop haunting her. JD must race to uncover the truth and unlock the dark secrets in her brain. . . before it's too late.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp


Alfred Kropp was just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle gets him roped into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur—the legendary sword of King Arthur. But after Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the hands of a man with enormously evil intentions, he sets off on an unlikely quest to try to right his wrong and save the world from imminent destruction. This gripping, fast-paced, hilarious novel is both a thrilling adventure story and an engaging account of one boy’s coming of age.

Firehorse