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Published Jan 2008
176 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
Sam is almost 11 when he discovers a locked box in the attic above his grandfather Mack’s room, and a piece of paper that says he was kidnapped. There are lots of other words, but Sam has always had trouble reading. He’s desperate to find out who he is, and if his beloved Mack is really his grandfather. At night he’s haunted by dreams of a big castle and a terrifying escape on a boat. Who can he trust to help him read the documents that could unravel the mystery? Then he and the new girl, Caroline, are paired up to work on a school project, building a castle in Mack’s woodworking shop. Caroline loves to read, and she can help. But she’s moving soon, and the two must hurry to discover the truth about Sam.
"Starred Review. This intimate story realistically examines friendship, family secrets and the struggles of a learning-disability child trying to make sense of the world." - Publishers Weekly.
"An engrossing examination of a profound theme in the deft hands of a discerning author." - Kirkus Reviews.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Photo © Tim Keating
As a reading teacher for 20 years, the educational consultant for Dell Yearling and Young
Yearling books, an adviser and instructor to aspiring writers, and the
author of more than 60 books for children, Patricia Reilly Giff spent
her entire life surrounded by books.
After earning a B.A. degree from Marymount College, Giff took the advice
of the school's dean and decided to become a teacher. During the 20 years of her teaching career, she earned an M.A. from St. John's University, and a Professional Diploma in Reading and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hofstra University.
Patricia Reilly Giff and her husband
lived in Weston, Connecticut. They have three children and five
grandchildren. In 1990, Giff opened The
Dinosaur's Paw, a children's ...
Name Pronunciation
Patricia Reilly Giff: ry-lee (first syllable rhymes with bye). Giff has a hard g
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