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Wendelin Van Draanen

    January 6, 1965

    Wendelin Van Draanen crafts compelling narratives for young readers and teens, delving into themes of overcoming challenges and self-discovery. Her work is recognized for its strong characters and emotional depth, resonating with audiences through relatable experiences. Van Draanen excels at capturing the essence of adolescence with engaging storytelling that offers valuable insights. Her ability to connect with the inner lives of young protagonists makes her contributions to literature for young adults particularly significant.

    The Running Dream
    The Power Potion
    Villain's Lair
    Sinister Substitute
    Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters
    The Peach Rebellion
    • The Peach Rebellion

      • 416 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of a small town recovering from the impact of World War II, the story follows three girls—Ginny Rose, Peggy, and Lisette—as they navigate their evolving friendships and familial tensions. Once inseparable, Ginny Rose and Peggy now face the stark differences in their social standings, exacerbated by the arrival of Lisette, a wealthy newcomer. As they confront their families' struggles, the summer becomes a pivotal time for secrets, healing, and the courage to redefine their lives and friendships at the brink of adulthood.

      The Peach Rebellion
    • Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

      • 208 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      4.3(10)Add rating

      The story follows street-smart stray dog Mr. Whiskers and sisters Misty and Zelda as they navigate the streets of San Francisco. Their adventure centers on unraveling clues in a desperate quest to find their kidnapped father, blending elements of mystery and camaraderie in a vibrant urban setting.

      Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters
    • Sinister Substitute

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      The book features the hilarious crime-fighting duo, Gecko and Sticky, embarking on a series of entertaining adventures. With a blend of humor and superhero themes, these stories are designed to captivate readers of all ages, making them ideal for family read-aloud sessions.

      Sinister Substitute
    • Villain's Lair

      • 208 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      The dynamic duo of Gecko and Sticky embarks on a series of humorous crime-fighting escapades. Their adventures are designed to entertain both young readers and adults, making them perfect for family read-aloud sessions. With a blend of comedy and superhero themes, these stories promise to engage fans of all ages.

      Villain's Lair
    • The Power Potion

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      The crime-fighting duo of Gecko and Sticky embarks on a series of humorous adventures that blend superhero themes with family-friendly storytelling. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales promise laughter and excitement, making them ideal for shared reading experiences.

      The Power Potion
    • The Running Dream

      • 352 pages
      • 13 hours of reading
      4.3(28497)Add rating

      When Jessica is told she’ll never run again, she puts herself back together—and learns to dream bigger than ever before. The acclaimed author of Flipped delivers a powerful and healing story. Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She’s not comforted by the news that she’ll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run? As she struggles to cope, Jessica feels that she’s both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don’t know what to say act like she’s not there. Jessica’s embarrassed to realize that she’s done the same to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she’s missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her. With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that’s not enough for her now. She doesn’t just want to cross finish lines herself—she wants to take Rosa with her. “Inspirational. The pace of Van Draanen’s prose matches Jessica’s at her swiftest. Readers will zoom through the book just as Jessica blazes around the track. A lively and lovely story.” —Kirkus Reviews

      The Running Dream
    • Shredderman: Secret Identity

      • 138 pages
      • 5 hours of reading
      4.2(10)Add rating

      Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd, tired of being called names by the class bully, has a secret identity--Shredderman!

      Shredderman: Secret Identity
    • The Greatest Power

      • 208 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      The crime-fighting duo of Gecko and Sticky embarks on a series of humorous adventures that captivate both young and old superhero enthusiasts. This collection promises to entertain with its engaging stories, making it an excellent choice for family read-aloud sessions.

      The Greatest Power
    • Sammy Keyes and the Search for Snake Eyes

      • 277 pages
      • 10 hours of reading
      4.2(1889)Add rating

      Featuring an exceptional young detective, this story brings a fresh perspective to the genre of teen literature. With a compelling mix of mystery and adventure, the protagonist navigates challenges with wit and determination, setting a new standard for junior detectives. The narrative promises engaging twists and relatable characters, appealing to both young readers and fans of classic detective tales. This book is poised to captivate and inspire a new generation of mystery lovers.

      Sammy Keyes and the Search for Snake Eyes
    • Combining personal anecdotes with practical advice, this motivational guide encourages aspiring novelists to pursue their writing dreams. The author shares insights from their own journey, offering relatable experiences and valuable tips tailored for young adult readers and writers. This book serves as both inspiration and a roadmap, making the writing process accessible and engaging for those looking to craft their own stories.

      Hope in the Mail: Reflections on Writing and Life