About the Book

Book Synopsis

A heartfelt middle grade eco-adventure story full of friendship and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Dan Gemeinhart and Gary D. Schmidt.

Summer is winding down and Jake Rizzi is headed to his great-aunt's cabin in the wet, mossy Oregon backwoods. His parents are going on a "couples retreat" and Jake can't help but wonder if it's him and his ADHD that they need a break from. His great-aunt's off-the-grid lifestyle seems strange, but her stories about a turtle with a ruby-colored shell spark his imagination.

Jake soon learns that the turtle is more than a myth. And thanks to a viral article online, strangers from all over the world have arrived to search for it--including a sinister "park ranger" and towering twins claiming to be zoologists. Jake is sure that finding the turtle will change how people see him and his "attention issues"--but he'll need help.

With villains lurking and mysteries to solve, Jake and his new friend Mia find themselves locked in a race against time. But when things turn dangerous, Jake has to choose what matters most--personal glory or protecting the wonders of nature?

Review Quotes

"A thrilling mystery adventure filled with a deep love of nature; you'll be rooting for Jake and Mia from beginning to end." --Varian Johnson, award-winning author of TWINS and THE PARKER INHERITANCE

"Readers will keep enthusiastically turning pages to continue this heartfelt adventure about nature conservation." --School Library Journal

"The author also leaves readers with the priceless insight that 'the only way to protect the
natural world is to love it.'" --Booklist Reviews

"Bramucci packs in teachable moments around digital literacy, mindfulness, and ecological interdependence . . . A wild romp that champions making space for vulnerable creatures and each other." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Steve Bramucci is the author of The Danger Gang series, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. He's rowed down the Mekong River in a traditional Vietnamese x'ampan, ventured into the Outback with Aboriginal elders, and spent four months driving a rickety Nissan Patrol through East Africa.

Steve's story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the $10K Trazzler Oasis prize and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with French fry oil was turned into a TV show. He's written for National Geographic Books, Afar, Outside, the Orange County Register Magazine, and dozens of other outlets. He's the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com and is a passionate conservationist. He lives in Southern California with his family.

www.stephenbramucci.com
@stevebram