Evod and the Children of the Star

"IMAGINATION GALORE!" That's how one reader describes EVOD AND THE CHILDREN OF THE STAR, written for the Middle Grade reader. When a huge, supernatural dove shows up at a boarding school, it leads David Roth and Julia Hingle on the adventures of their lives. Their journey includes flying, escaping a whirlwind, and visiting a cave full of worshipping strangers. The two become amateur sleuths when they find a mysterious star in the basement of their school. How did the star get there and why was it hidden? Their investigation reaches a dead end when they turn to their principal and seek his help. Instead of helping, he treats them harshly, dispenses punishment, and threatens them with expulsion. "IT WAS GOOD. GREAT! FULL OF ADVENTURE!" says a ten-year-old reader. Add in an explosion at a nearby school and an enigmatic janitor and you have a recipe for excitement in this uplifting story of discovery, loss, and identity. In this fast-moving tale, the star disappears. David, Julia, and their friend JJ trace it to a millionaire who doesn't want to share it. Will David, Julia and JJ be able to return the star to its rightful place? Evod and the Children of the Star is the first in a series by new author Laya Brandt and explores the commonality between different faiths. It is great reading for eight- to twelve-year-olds, but also engaging for younger and older audiences.