Anne Ursu

Charlotte and Zee get caught up in Poseidon’s plan to avenge his progeny’s defeat in this “witty, well-paced, and fun” (Kirkus Reviews) second book in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series inspired by Greek mythology—now with a new look! Charlotte Mielswetzski’s reward for saving the world is getting ultra-mega-grounded. Turns out, it’s hard to explain adventures in the Underworld to parents. Zee’s managed to evade punishment, instead being treated like he’s about to break, but he’s been distant since the cousins returned. When Charlotte’s parents announce they’re going on a cruise, she thinks things might be looking up. But the cruise is strictly educational…and was orchestrated by Poseidon. Philonecron is Poseidon’s grandson and isn’t pleased about his delicious plans being thwarted by mortal children, and the god of the sea is only too happy to help him get revenge. Stranded on the high seas, Charlotte and Zee are squarely in the domain of the second-most powerful god in the universe—who’s out for their blood.

Charlotte and Zee get entangled in a conspiracy to take down Zeus in this thrilling third and final book in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series inspired by Greek mythology—now with a new look! After their near-fatal battle with Poseidon, Charlotte and Zee would love nothing more than to relax and forget that the Greek gods are real. But with the world in peril and no one else to save it, that just isn’t an option. Charlotte and Zee are approached by the Prometheans, an ancient brotherhood who protect mankind from the whims of the gods. They think they’ve finally found a weapon capable of bringing Zeus to his knees. But using it would come at a great cost, one Charlotte and Zee are not willing to pay. Deciding that, this time, the gods are the lesser evil, the two strike out for Mount Olympus with the Prometheans, an angry Chimera, and other mythological beasts following close behind.

“The perfect series for fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians books.” —School Library Journal Two cousins venture into the Underworld to save their classmates from a mysterious illness in this “entertaining in the most pleasingly frenetic of ways” (Publishers Weekly) first book in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series inspired by Greek mythology—now with a new look! Something extraordinary is about to happen to Charlotte Mielswetski. Oh, it’s not the cute kitten that appears out of nowhere. It’s not the sudden arrival of her cousin Zee, who believes he’s the cause of a mysterious sickness that struck his friends in England. And it’s not the men in tuxedos who follow Charlotte everywhere. What’s so extraordinary is not any one of these things. It’s all of them. And when Charlotte’s friends also fall sick, Charlotte and Zee set out on a quest to find a cure that leads them to the Underworld.

“The perfect series for fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians books.” —School Library Journal All three books in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series, inspired by Greek mythology and perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, available together in one collectible paperback boxed set—now with a new look! Something extraordinary is about to happen to Charlotte Mielswetski. Oh, it’s not the cute kitten that appears out of nowhere. It’s not the sudden arrival of her cousin Zee, who believes he’s the cause of a mysterious sickness that struck his friends in England. And it’s not the men in tuxedos who follow Charlotte everywhere. What’s so extraordinary is not any one of these things. It’s all of them. And when Charlotte’s friends also fall sick, Charlotte and Zee set out on a quest to find a cure that leads them to the Underworld. Once there, they discover that the fate of every person—living and dead—is in their hands. After emerging victorious, Charlotte and Zee attract the attention of more dangerous adversaries, including the god of the sea and an ancient brotherhood. Armed with nothing but their friendship and wit, the cousins fight earthly and mythical threats alike to keep them from destroying the world. This action-packed paperback boxed set includes: The Shadow Thieves The Siren Song The Immortal Fire

"The perfect series for fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians books." --School Library Journal Two cousins venture into the Underworld to save their classmates from a mysterious illness in this "entertaining in the most pleasingly frenetic of ways" (Publishers Weekly) first book in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series inspired by Greek mythology--now with a new look Something extraordinary is about to happen to Charlotte Mielswetski. Oh, it's not the cute kitten that appears out of nowhere. It's not the sudden arrival of her cousin Zee, who believes he's the cause of a mysterious sickness that struck his friends in England. And it's not the men in tuxedos who follow Charlotte everywhere. What's so extraordinary is not any one of these things. It's all of them. And when Charlotte's friends also fall sick, Charlotte and Zee set out on a quest to find a cure that leads them to the Underworld.

Charlotte and Zee get entangled in a conspiracy to take down Zeus in this thrilling third and final book in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series inspired by Greek mythology--now with a new look After their near-fatal battle with Poseidon, Charlotte and Zee would love nothing more than to relax and forget that the Greek gods are real. But with the world in peril and no one else to save it, that just isn't an option. Charlotte and Zee are approached by the Prometheans, an ancient brotherhood who protect mankind from the whims of the gods. They think they've finally found a weapon capable of bringing Zeus to his knees. But using it would come at a great cost, one Charlotte and Zee are not willing to pay. Deciding that, this time, the gods are the lesser evil, the two strike out for Mount Olympus with the Prometheans, an angry Chimera, and other mythological beasts following close behind.

Charlotte and Zee get caught up in Poseidon's plan to avenge his progeny's defeat in this "witty, well-paced, and fun" (Kirkus Reviews) second book in the middle grade Cronus Chronicles series inspired by Greek mythology--now with a new look Charlotte Mielswetzski's reward for saving the world is getting ultra-mega-grounded. Turns out, it's hard to explain adventures in the Underworld to parents. Zee's managed to evade punishment, instead being treated like he's about to break, but he's been distant since the cousins returned. When Charlotte's parents announce they're going on a cruise, she thinks things might be looking up. But the cruise is strictly educational...and was orchestrated by Poseidon. Philonecron is Poseidon's grandson and isn't pleased about his delicious plans being thwarted by mortal children, and the god of the sea is only too happy to help him get revenge. Stranded on the high seas, Charlotte and Zee are squarely in the domain of the second-most powerful god in the universe--who's out for their blood.

Named one of the Best Books of 2024 by the Chicago Public Library, New York Public Library, and NPR From the award-winning author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy comes an unforgettable and deeply personal story of the ghosts that surround us--and the ones we carry inside. The house seemed to sit apart from the others on Katydid Street, silent and alone, like it didn't fit among them. For Violet Hart--whose family is about to move into the house on Katydid Street--very little felt like it fit anymore. Like their old home, suddenly too small since her mother remarried and the new baby arrived. Or Violet's group of friends, which, since they started middle school, isn't enough for Violet's best friend, Paige. Everything seemed to be changing at once. But sometimes, Violet tells herself, change is okay. That is, until Violet sees her new room. The attic bedroom in their new house is shadowy, creaky, and wrapped in old yellow wallpaper covered with a faded tangle of twisting vines and sickly flowers. And then, after moving in, Violet falls ill--and does not get better. As days turn into weeks without any improvement, her family growing more confused and her friends wondering if she's really sick at all, she finds herself spending more time alone in the room with the yellow wallpaper, the shadows moving in the corners, wrapping themselves around her at night. And soon, Violet starts to suspect that she might not be alone in the room at all.

Named one of the Best Books of 2024 by the Chicago Public Library, New York Public Library, and NPR From the award-winning author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy comes an unforgettable and deeply personal story of the ghosts that surround us--and the ones we carry inside. The house seemed to sit apart from the others on Katydid Street, silent and alone, like it didn't fit among them. For Violet Hart--whose family is about to move into the house on Katydid Street--very little felt like it fit anymore. Like their old home, suddenly too small since her mother remarried and the new baby arrived. Or Violet's group of friends, which, since they started middle school, isn't enough for Violet's best friend, Paige. Everything seemed to be changing at once. But sometimes, Violet tells herself, change is okay. That is, until Violet sees her new room. The attic bedroom in their new house is shadowy, creaky, and wrapped in old yellow wallpaper covered with a faded tangle of twisting vines and sickly flowers. And then, after moving in, Violet falls ill--and does not get better. As days turn into weeks without any improvement, her family growing more confused and her friends wondering if she's really sick at all, she finds herself spending more time alone in the room with the yellow wallpaper, the shadows moving in the corners, wrapping themselves around her at night. And soon, Violet starts to suspect that she might not be alone in the room at all.

From the acclaimed author of The Real Boy and The Lost Girl comes a wondrous and provocative fantasy about a kingdom beset by monsters, a mysterious school, and a girl caught in between them. If no one notices Marya Lupu, is likely because of her brother, Luka. And that's because of what everyone knows: that Luka is destined to become a sorcerer. The Lupus might be from a small village far from the capital city of Illyria, but that doesn't matter. Every young boy born in in the kingdom holds the potential for the rare ability to wield magic, to protect the country from the terrifying force known only as the Dread. For all the hopes the family has for Luka, no one has any for Marya, who can never seem to do anything right. But even so, no one is prepared for the day that the sorcerers finally arrive to test Luka for magical ability, and Marya makes a terrible mistake. Nor the day after, when the Lupus receive a letter from a place called Dragomir Academy--a mysterious school for wayward young girls. Girls like Marya. Soon she is a hundred miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, surrounded by girls she's never met. Dragomir Academy promises Marya and her classmates a chance to make something of themselves in service to one of the country's powerful sorcerers. But as they learn how to fit into a world with no place for them, they begin to discover things about the magic the men of their country wield, as well as the Dread itself--things that threaten the precarious balance upon which Illyria is built.

From the acclaimed author of The Real Boy and The Lost Girl comes a wondrous and provocative fantasy about a kingdom beset by monsters, a mysterious school, and a girl caught in between them. If no one notices Marya Lupu, is likely because of her brother, Luka. And that's because of what everyone knows: that Luka is destined to become a sorcerer. The Lupus might be from a small village far from the capital city of Illyria, but that doesn't matter. Every young boy born in in the kingdom holds the potential for the rare ability to wield magic, to protect the country from the terrifying force known only as the Dread. For all the hopes the family has for Luka, no one has any for Marya, who can never seem to do anything right. But even so, no one is prepared for the day that the sorcerers finally arrive to test Luka for magical ability, and Marya makes a terrible mistake. Nor the day after, when the Lupus receive a letter from a place called Dragomir Academy--a mysterious school for wayward young girls. Girls like Marya. Soon she is a hundred miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, surrounded by girls she's never met. Dragomir Academy promises Marya and her classmates a chance to make something of themselves in service to one of the country's powerful sorcerers. But as they learn how to fit into a world with no place for them, they begin to discover things about the magic the men of their country wield, as well as the Dread itself--things that threaten the precarious balance upon which Illyria is built.

Three starred reviewsA Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of 2019Anne Ursu, author of the National Book Award nominee The Real Boy, returns with a story of the power of fantasy, the limits of love, and the struggles inherent in growing up. When you're an identical twin, your story always starts with someone else. For Iris, that means her story starts with Lark. Iris has always been the grounded, capable, and rational one; Lark has been inventive, dreamy, and brilliant--and from their first moments in the world together, they've never left each other's side. Everyone around them realized early on what the two sisters already knew: they had better outcomes when they were together. When fifth grade arrives, however, it's decided that Iris and Lark should be split into different classrooms, and something breaks in them both. Iris is no longer so confident; Lark retreats into herself as she deals with challenges at school. And at the same time, something strange is happening in the city around them, things both great and small going missing without a trace. As Iris begins to understand that anything can be lost in the blink of an eye, she decides it's up to her to find a way to keep her sister safe.

Anne Ursu, author of the National Book Award nominee The Real Boy, returns with a story of the power of fantasy, the limits of love, and the struggles inherent in growing up. When you're an identical twin, your story always starts with someone else. For Iris, that means her story starts with Lark. Iris has always been the grounded, capable, and rational one; Lark has been inventive, dreamy, and brilliant--and from their first moments in the world together, they've never left each other's side. Everyone around them realized early on what the two sisters already knew: they had better outcomes when they were together. When fifth grade arrives, however, it's decided that Iris and Lark should be split into different classrooms, and something breaks in them both. Iris is no longer so confident; Lark retreats into herself as she deals with challenges at school. And at the same time, something strange is happening in the city around them, things both great and small going missing without a trace. As Iris begins to understand that anything can be lost in the blink of an eye, she decides it's up to her to find a way to keep her sister safe.

Anne Ursu, author of the National Book Award nominee The Real Boy, returns with a story of the power of fantasy, the limits of love, and the struggles inherent in growing up. When you're an identical twin, your story always starts with someone else. For Iris, that means her story starts with Lark. Iris has always been the grounded, capable, and rational one; Lark has been inventive, dreamy, and brilliant--and from their first moments in the world together, they've never left each other's side. Everyone around them realized early on what the two sisters already knew: they had better outcomes when they were together. When fifth grade arrives, however, it's decided that Iris and Lark should be split into different classrooms, and something breaks in them both. Iris is no longer so confident; Lark retreats into herself as she deals with challenges at school. And at the same time, something strange is happening in the city around them, things both great and small going missing without a trace. As Iris begins to understand that anything can be lost in the blink of an eye, she decides it's up to her to find a way to keep her sister safe.

Three starred reviewsA Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of 2019Anne Ursu, author of the National Book Award nominee The Real Boy, returns with a story of the power of fantasy, the limits of love, and the struggles inherent in growing up. When you're an identical twin, your story always starts with someone else. For Iris, that means her story starts with Lark. Iris has always been the grounded, capable, and rational one; Lark has been inventive, dreamy, and brilliant--and from their first moments in the world together, they've never left each other's side. Everyone around them realized early on what the two sisters already knew: they had better outcomes when they were together. When fifth grade arrives, however, it's decided that Iris and Lark should be split into different classrooms, and something breaks in them both. Iris is no longer so confident; Lark retreats into herself as she deals with challenges at school. And at the same time, something strange is happening in the city around them, things both great and small going missing without a trace. As Iris begins to understand that anything can be lost in the blink of an eye, she decides it's up to her to find a way to keep her sister safe.

Anne Ursu, author of the National Book Award nominee The Real Boy, returns with a story of the power of fantasy, the limits of love, and the struggles inherent in growing up. When you're an identical twin, your story always starts with someone else. For Iris, that means her story starts with Lark. Iris has always been the grounded, capable, and rational one; Lark has been inventive, dreamy, and brilliant--and from their first moments in the world together, they've never left each other's side. Everyone around them realized early on what the two sisters already knew: they had better outcomes when they were together. When fifth grade arrives, however, it's decided that Iris and Lark should be split into different classrooms, and something breaks in them both. Iris is no longer so confident; Lark retreats into herself as she deals with challenges at school. And at the same time, something strange is happening in the city around them, things both great and small going missing without a trace. As Iris begins to understand that anything can be lost in the blink of an eye, she decides it's up to her to find a way to keep her sister safe.

National Book Award Longlist * Bank Street Children's Book Committee Best Book of the Year"Beautifully written and elegantly structured, this fantasy is as real as it gets."--Franny Billingsley, author of ChimeThe Real Boy, Anne Ursu's follow-up to her widely acclaimed and beloved middle grade fantasy Breadcrumbs, is a spellbinding tale of the power we all wield, great and small. On an island on the edge of an immense sea there is a city, a forest, and a boy named Oscar. Oscar is a shop boy for the most powerful magician in the village, and spends his days in a small room in the dark cellar of his master's shop grinding herbs and dreaming of the wizards who once lived on the island generations ago. Oscar's world is small, but he likes it that way. The real world is vast, strange, and unpredictable. And Oscar does not quite fit in it. But now that world is changing. Children in the city are falling ill, and something sinister lurks in the forest. Oscar has long been content to stay in his small room in the cellar, comforted in the knowledge that the magic that flows from the forest will keep his island safe. Now even magic may not be enough to save it.

The winner of numerous awards and recipient of four starred reviews, Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs is a stunning and heartbreaking story of growing up, wrapped in a modern-day fairy tale. Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbs is a stunningly original fairy tale of modern-day America, a dazzling ode to the power of fantasy, and a heartbreaking meditation on how growing up is as much a choice as it is something that happens to us. In Breadcrumbs, Anne Ursu tells, in her one-of-a-kind voice, a story that brings together fifty years of children's literature in a tale as modern as it is timeless. Hazel's journey to come to terms with her evolving friendship with Jack will deeply resonate with young readers. Supports the Common Core State Standards

When the five-year-old son of the Woodrow family disappears mysteriously during a circus magic trick, the subsequent police investigation is unsuccessful, prompting the boy's seven-year-old sister to set out search of the truth. By the author of Spilling Clarence. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.