The Story Pirates Present: Digging Up Danger - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Ghosts? A mysterious plant? Something even more sinister? This spooky mystery (inspired by a real kid's idea) doubles as a creative writing guide for young writers!

Eliza loves hunting ghosts -- too bad she's spending the summer helping her scientist mother study weird plants instead. But when a mysterious plant goes missing, things go from strange to downright spooky. Eliza is convinced something--or someone--is haunting the plant shop. Is she digging into dangerous ground?

Like Stuck in the Stone Age, the first in the Story Pirates Present series, this spine-tingling mystery doubles as an introduction to the basics of creative writing. With the help of Story Pirate Captain Vincent Rolo and the Mystery Creation Zone, kids can use this kid-generated story as inspiration to create their OWN great mysteries!

"What a fantastically fun way to learn about writing a story!" -- Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Review Quotes

"What a fantastically fun way to learn about writing a story!" -- Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"[A] fantastic, step-by-step guide with prompts, ideas, definitions, and forms for aspiring Edgar winners. West's tale, decorated with Aly's eerie, cartoon art, is well worth reading on its own--the writing manual takes it to a whole other level."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Praise for Stuck in the Stone Age

STARRED REVIEW "Sarcastic, funny, and entertaining...short (and also funny) instructional lessons on character creation, story setting, plot twists, climax building, and story endings are pitched to pique interest and get the creative juices flowing. Aly's cartoon illustrations will add a giggle or two or three. A must for young writers (even those not interested in sci-fi) and a fab, fun writing manual for writing teachers everywhere."
--Kirkus Reviews

STARRED REVIEW "This two-for-one tale is as smart as it is entertaining."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

THE STORY PIRATES are a nationally respected media and education organization founded in 2004 to celebrate the words, ideas, and stories of young people. They've been featured on NBC Nightly News, TODAY, and Sesame Street, and are endorsed by Jon Stewart, Conan O'Brien, John Oliver, and more. Visit storypirates.org for more.

JACQUELINE WEST is an award-winning and bestselling writer for young readers. She lives in Red Wing, Minnesota. Visit jacquelinewest.com for more.

HATEM ALY is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured in publications around the word, including the Newbury Honor Book The Inquisitor's Tale. Visit metahatem.com for more.