Keith Calabrese Livres

Set in the suburban town of Lake Grove Glen, two twelve-year-olds, Oliver Beane and Frankie Figge, navigate the peculiarities of middle school life. Their experience takes a strange turn with the enigmatic Matilda Sandoval, who seems to have insider knowledge about them. As they encounter a series of seemingly random events linked to the disappearance of former student genius Preston Oglethorpe, a Nobel laureate in Physics, the trio embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the chaos affecting their lives.

Times are tough in the small town of Cliffs Donnelly, Ohio (sarcastically called If Only) especially for some of the kids at Rod Serling Middle School, but then an old dry well suddenly begins to grant wishes, or so it seems--three of the students, Ernest Wilmette, Ryan Hardy, and Lizzy MacComber, know what is happening (but do they really?), because sometimes a good deed can make magic happen.

Charley Decker's weekend plans take a wild turn when her older brother, Greg, borrows their mother's boyfriend's rare car and accidentally gets it towed. Determined to retrieve it, Charley and her friends, Wade and Oona, devise a plan. However, their adventure escalates when they discover a mysterious man named Mitch hiding in the trunk, pursued by dangerous individuals. This unexpected twist leads the trio into a thrilling and chaotic situation, turning their ordinary weekend into an unforgettable escapade.

The story centers on Lena, a spirited girl eager to begin kindergarten, while her favorite shoes feel anxious about the big day. Through a charming narrative, debut author Calabrese and award-winning illustrator Medina explore themes of excitement and apprehension, capturing the universal feelings associated with new beginnings. The vibrant illustrations enhance this delightful tale, making it a perfect read for children facing their own first-day jitters.