New Releases by Bruce Coville

In this magical fantasy adventure by the award-winning author of Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, a talking toad takes a girl on a wild ride. Jennifer Murdley has always wanted to be pretty. That’s why she’s so surprised to leave Mr. Elives’s magic shop with a particularly ugly toad. As her worst enemy says, “A toad for a toad.” But this toad can talk. And what it has to say sets Jennifer off on a journey that leads her into the company of the Immortal Vermin and straight to the Beauty Parlor of Doom . . . where she comes face-to-face with her deepest fears and dreams. Jennifer Murdley would give anything to be beautiful. But sometimes anything is too high a price to pay. “Endlessly funny . . . . A roller-coaster ride of a story, full of humor and even wisdom.” —Kirkus Reviews “Fast-moving with slapstick humor . . . . Recommended.” —Horn Book

"Angus Cairns is a brownie, a magical creature with a fastidious nature. Alex Carhart is the messiest eleven-year-old in the United States of America. Together, this unlikely pair embarks on an unforgettable adventure"--

On the Oregon trail, a theater troupe strives to reach California After months in the cramped confines of a Conestoga wagon, Fortune Plunkett is dreaming of the life she left behind in Charleston. It was her father’s dream to lead his band of actors to California, but he died on the trail. Fortune’s only inheritance is a trunk of old costumes, a handful of plays, and a passionate drive to reach the Pacific Ocean, no matter what hardships she might endure along the way. At the time of her father’s death, the actors were heading toward an engagement in the little town of Busted Heights—a place that held a fascination for Fortune’s father that he never explained. There Fortune meets the greenhorn Jamie Halleck, a naive young man who convinces her to let him join the group. With Jamie onboard, they hit the trail again, ready to reach California and find their destiny. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

A young scientist discovers a zero-gravity homicide onboard a space station Rusty McPhee was born on Earth, but he hasn’t been on solid ground for so long that he hardly remembers what it’s like. He was raised on the space station known as ICE-3, and he knows the ins and outs of this floating research platform better than anybody. He’s working in the waste disposal unit, watching garbage dissolve and be recycled, when he sees something terrifying: a dead body, half decomposed, face down in the muck. Before he can tell anyone what he’s found, the machines finish processing the body, and he’s left without any evidence that a murder ever happened. Not one of ICE-3’s twenty-five thousand inhabitants is missing—so where did the body come from? As he tracks the zero-G killer, danger lurks around every airlock, and it will take just one misstep for Rusty to fall from the sky. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

A hapless fairy godmother faces her toughest assignment yet: a perfect little girl whom she must teach to be normal Maybelle was only trying to help. Maybe that’s the problem—every time she tries to help, her magic makes things worse. This time, her spell was supposed to turn a frog into a prince, but instead it turned a princess into a frog! For more than a century, every spell she’s cast has backfired, and now her boss is fed up. She has one last chance to make things right—or she’ll lose her wings forever. With the help of the legendary fairy godmother Edna Prim, Maybelle takes charge of a snooty young girl named Susan whose only problem is that she’s too perfect. Maybelle’s job is to help Susan learn to be a regular kid, but there’s a mischief-loving imp working against her. Saving Susan will take a new kind of spell—and a special brand of magic that only Maybelle has to offer. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

Can the gang save the world before it’s too late? When it comes down to adults versus kids, who’s going to believe the kids—even if they are geniuses? That’s the problem the A.I. Gang faces when they find themselves locked in a death-defying final showdown with the mysterious Black Glove. Contending with danger and disgrace, the team fights on with only the help of a mysterious friend to give them an occasional clue. But these six kids just can’t give up. Would you, if you were the only thing standing in the way of a high-tech horror that could spell destruction for the entire planet? This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

A spy has infiltrated the island, and only the A.I. Gang can stop him Some days a gang of kid geniuses just can’t win. As if it weren’t bad enough that the A.I. Gang has Sergeant Brody’s terrifying security robots crimping their activities and the mysterious Black Glove out to get them, now they’ve managed to get on the bad side of an international superspy who has secretly invaded Anza-bora Island. Of course, a little thing like that won’t stop them from coming up with new schemes. But when Rachel talks the others into building a rocket to launch Dr. Weiskopf’s singing robot, Twerpy, on a vital space mission, it turns out that the final countdown to blastoff may also be a countdown to death. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

In the first book of the Nina Tanleven Mysteries, Nina investigates the ghost of a haunted auditorium Standing on the Grand Theater’s storied stage, sixth-grader Nina Tanleven is about to audition for the latest local production. But as she launches into song, she sees a mysterious woman dressed all in white appearing out of nowhere. It isn’t until later, after Nina has won a part in the play, that she learns the truth: Fifty years ago, on the Grand’s famous stage, the beautiful actress Lily Larkin—known for her captivating white costumes—was killed by a falling chandelier. Ever since, rumors have swirled that the ghost of Lily Larkin haunts the Grand. When eerie events start disrupting the play’s rehearsals, Nina knows that Lily is responsible. But what is Lily trying to tell her? Along with her best friend, Chris, Nina decides that the only way she can save the play is to get to the bottom of this decades-old murder mystery. The Ghost in the Third Row is the first book of the Nina Tanleven Mysteries, which continue with The Ghost Wore Gray and The Ghost in the Big Brass Bed. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

The spirits of an old house uncover dangerous family secrets Sixteen-year-old Lisa Burton can’t believe her parents dragged her to a summer house for the entire month of August. After five days of rain, she and her younger sister, Carrie, have never been more bored. So when their grandmother suggests a silly parlor game, the girls are excited—until an unseen power takes over Lisa’s hand and writes a puzzling message: “Welcome Home.” Who—or what—is trying to reach the Burtons, and how does it know that their grandmother’s family once lived at the estate? As she uncovers family secrets one by one, Lisa realizes that to make the past right, she’ll have to journey through the corridors of an unsettled mind powerful enough to trap them all inside. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

In the second book of the Nina Tanleven Mysteries, Nina, the world’s number-one sixth-grade ghost buster, embarks on a treasure hunt with help from the ghost of a Civil War soldier Not too long ago, Nina Tanleven would never have thought that her dream vacation could take place at a creaky lodge in New York’s Catskill Mountains. But when her architect father agrees to renovate the three-story inn, it’s the perfect opportunity for Nina and her best friend, Chris, to investigate rumors that the rambling old building is haunted. It isn’t long before they learn the truth: Not only is the place haunted by the ghost of a Confederate soldier, it also holds secrets that lead to a buried treasure! The soldier hid his trove as a gift for the New York abolitionist who cared for him before he died, and his last wish is to see it unearthed. The clock is ticking as Nina and Chris race to solve the phantom’s mysterious clues. But they aren’t the only ones seeking the valuable bounty. Can they manage to find it first? The Ghost Wore Gray is the second book of the Nina Tanleven Mysteries, which begin with The Ghost in the Third Row and continue with The Ghost in the Big Brass Bed. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

Bonnie must make the choice to unleash or destroy an ancient power, but can she unlock her own memories in time to make the right choice? Bonnie McBurnie remembers the old trunk in her grandmother’s attic, full of weird souvenirs collected by her seafaring ancestors. But she didn’t recollect the secret compartment or its deck of tarot cards—cards that feel strangely familiar. Back home, Bonnie studies the mysterious tarot deck. The cards seem to be trying to tell her something—but how can she be sure which ones to believe? And why can’t she recall what happened on her last visit to the attic—a childhood memory that hovers just out of reach? With the help of the town spiritualist, Madame LePanto, Bonnie delves into the origin of the cards and races to discover their connection to her family, even as the powers trapped within them threaten to tear apart her world . . . and the people she loves. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

An ancient betrayal echoes across time and space Boring—that’s what Marilyn thinks her family is. Completely, horribly normal. All except for her great-aunt Zenobia, a scandalously independent world traveler with the most exciting stories. Marilyn always looks forward to her spirited great-aunt’s visits, but this time, Zenobia seems to have something unusual on her mind. Marilyn can’t refuse when the obviously worried Zenobia asks her to hold on to something for safekeeping—a beautiful amulet found in the Egyptian desert, with a center stone so vivid and sparkling, it almost seems . . . alive. Suddenly Marilyn’s dreams turn dark as she’s tasked with a terrible mission: to keep whatever is inside the amulet from gaining its freedom—and with it, revenge. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

Even when her whole life is changing, Amber Brown is always bold, bright, and colorful. #Amber Brown is out now on Apple TV+ Now that Amber’s mom and Max are married, the three of them are moving to a new house and Amber is worried about more than just packing. How can she leave the home her dad used to live in? And with her dad dating again, how will they ever find time for just the two of them? All of these changes make Amber''s head spin, but with standardized tests coming up at school as well as a dance competition, she needs to focus more than ever. If Amber wants to adjust to her new life and survive the school year, she''d better get moving! “Amber manages to hit the sweet spot once again… In their second volume, Coville and Levy continue Danziger’s Amber Brown series with wit, style, and intelligence.” —Booklist

KIDNAPPED TO DIMENSION X! When Rod Allbright''s cousin Elspeth arrived for a visit the day after school let out for the summer, Rod thought his vacation was ruined. But after they are kidnapped to Dimension X by a monster named Smorkus Flinders, Rod realizes that Elspeth is the least of his problems. After all, what''s a bratty cousin compared to cranky monsters, furious aliens, and the discovery that you are stuck in the middle of an interstellar power play? And that doesn''t begin to take into account the horrifying personal decision that Rod will be forced to make before his adventures are over.

No matter what wedding dramas come her way, Amber Brown is always bold, bright, and colorful. #Amber Brown is out now on Apple TV+ Amber Brown is excited about her mom and Max’s upcoming wedding. Not only does Amber get to be the Best Child but all her best friends are invited, including Justin, whose family will be making a special trip back to town just for the big event! But when every conversation about the wedding causes a fight about money, they talk about a having a tiny wedding without any family or friends. On top of that she’s on the hunt for the perfect dress and writing her Best Child speech. Paula Danziger called Bruce Coville and Elizabeth Levy her best friend and her other best friend, and this close connection enabled them to lovingly capture Amber Brown''s voice, sense of humor, big-heartedness, and her fondness for puns.

After Amber''s mom gets remarried and her dad starts dating again she worries about many things such as leaving the only home she has ever known for a new one. She also wonders where and when she and her father will get to spend time together.

From Bruce Coville, the master of tween comic suspense, comes a tale of monsters, the bond between brothers, and saving the world. Jake''s baby brother, LD, may be a monster (complete with fangs and fur!), but together with his best friend, Lily, Jake isn''t going to let anything happen to that baby. Even if it turns out LD may be the key to saving the world—or destroying it. Soon Jake and Lily are on a perilous quest through Always October, a land populated with monsters. Perfect for fans of Bruce Coville''s beloved books, such as Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, the Unicorn Chronicles series, and My Teacher Is an Alien series.

The Last Hunt weaves together all the strands of the great clash between the Hunters and the unicorns. As the Hunters invade Luster, bent on the extermination of the unicorns, the unicorns rally to defend themselves. To do so, they will be forced to make peace with their intimate enemies, the delvers. Even worse, the Hunters may not be the greatest danger. For Luster itself is beginnings to collapse from the damage done to the great world tree when Beloved tore a hole between the worlds. Preventing that collapse will require Cara--reunited at last with her mother and father--to discover the secret of how and why Luster was originally created. But first she must confront her own ancestor, the fierce and wily Beloved!

A collection of nine short stories featuring ghosts, half-humans, unicorns, and other unusual creatures.

Having jumped into Luster, the land of unicorns, Cara makes a perilous journey to bring back her grandmother, The Wanderer, in order to release the Queen of the unicorns and allow her to die.

This is a riveting tale of two quests. In the first, Cara Diana Hunter searches for an ancient story that may unravel the secret of a long enmity between the unicorns and the monstrous delvers. In the second, Cara''s father journeys to free her mother from the Rainbow Prison. As Cara travels through the strange and terrifying underground world of the delvers and to the court of the centaur king, her father travels from mysterious India to the depths of the Rainbow Prison itself. Who can be trusted? Who is the enemy? Readers will be at the edge of their seats with this multistranded story filled with wonder and suspense.

One summer morning, a flock of butterflies alights on John Farrington''s house and changes his life forever. Surrounding John in his yard, the monarchs ask for his help. They have lost their way. The green places are gone--the meadows have become mini-malls; the forests are now parking lots. Can John lead them to another refuge? Passionate, moving, and inspiring, this glorious flight of fantasy from master storyteller Bruce Coville is a timely fable about the difficulties--and the rewards--of staying true to one’s heart.

Rod is surprised when a miniature spaceship lands in his school science project and reveals five tiny aliens, who ask his help in apprehending an interstellar criminal. Now reissued with an exciting new look. Illustrations.

When the daughter of the Queen of the Mischief Monsters runs away from home, it is up to Edward, Moongobble, Urk, and Fireball to return her to Monster Mountain--then start a new quest.

Moongobble has successfully completed two of his three Mighty Tasks: He''s collected the Golden Acorns of Alcoona and bottled the tears of the Weeping Werewolf. There''s only one more Mighty Task to go, then Moongobble will become a member of the Society of Magicians. But this might be the most difficult one of them all. Moongobble must go deep into the Forest of Boodle to recover the Queen''s Belly Button, a magical stone that was plucked off an ancient statue by a band of elves. The Belly Button has the power to tempt its owner to do evil things -- and those elves have been causing trouble left and right. Moongobble enlists the help of Edward, Urk, the Rusty Knight, Fireball the Dragon, and Arfur, an old friend. Even with their help, this task won''t be easy. Anyone who attempts to steal the Belly Button and fails will be turned into stone! Will Moongobble be able to successfully steal the stone and resist its powers?

Two collections of favorite short stories by Coville--"Oddly Enough" and "Odder Than Ever"--are now available in one volume.

After Susan sees Mr. Smith the substitute teacher peel off his face, she knows he''s an alien and only Peter believes her. Together they work to save the class from Mr. Smith''s horrible plans.

When Edward accompanies Moongobble into the Forest of Night to prove he is a magician of merit by obtaining the tears of a werewolf, he does not know what big surprises are in store for them.

Book Two: Song of the Wanderer: Having jumped into Luster, the land of unicorns, Cara makes a perilous journey to bring back her grandmother, The Wanderer, in order to release the Queen of the unicorns and allow her to die.

A timid boy, eager to frighten the school bully on Halloween night, acquires a magic ring and the power to change himself into a hideous monster.