The arrival of a mysterious new neighbor inspires a kid to write her own poetry in this humorous and unforgettable new middle-grade novel by award-winning author Cary Fagan. Andie Gladman is your typical kid — she lives in a small town, doesn't have many friends and quietly puts up with taunts from the school bully, Myrtle Klinghoffer. But one day, a new neighbor moves into the house next to Andie's family . . . and he looks awfully familiar. Could he be famous author Hans Christian Andersen? Andie sure thinks so, and the arrival of this well-known writer inspires Andie to write her own poems (with a feminist twist) based on his classic fairy tales. Her newfound hobby leads her to make a friend and finally feel some excitement about her previously quiet life . . . but will a shocking revelation change everything for Andie?
Cary Fagan Book order
Cary Fagan is a celebrated author whose work resonates with readers of all ages. For children, he crafts imaginative tales that spark curiosity and wonder. In his adult fiction, he delves into profound themes, exploring the human condition with a sophisticated literary style. His writing is characterized by its intelligence and a distinctive voice that offers a unique perspective.






- 2023
- 2022
One morning Rafe wakes up to discover his bedroom is floating in a vast sea of water. An unforgettable illustrated novel for ages 10 and up with elements of James and the Giant Peach meets Waterworld and The Road. One morning Rafe wakes up to discover his bedroom is floating in a vast sea of water. Alone with only his dog for company, Rafe adapts to this strange new world by fishing cans of food out of the water and keeping watch. Boxes float by, as does a woman, playing her cello. Then, one day, Rafe fishes out a young girl, who joins him in his room — they don't speak the same language, but they will face this uncertain future together.
- 2021
Bear Wants To Sing
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Bear wants to sing his song, but the other animals won't give him a chance to perform his masterwork in this delightful picture book companion to the critically acclaimed King Mouse.A bear finds a ukulele in the woods. It makes a nice sound -- PLINK! -- and inspires him to write his own song. His friend Mouse would love to hear it. But Bear isn't the only animal in the forest to find musical inspiration that day, and Snake, Crow and Tortoise keep taking his turn to perform. When they finally give him the opportunity and meet his song with less enthusiasm than he'd like, the discouraged bear shelves his music career forever . . . but the kindness, empathy and appreciation of his best friend will prove that his art deserves recognition and can even inspire others.This dryly humorous and sweetly profound collaboration between two critically acclaimed children's book creators, a follow-up to the masterful King Mouse, has the makings of a modern classic.
- 2020
Maurice and His Dictionary: A True Story
- 56 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of a refugee experience, this graphic novel explores themes of education and hope. It follows the journey of individuals seeking a better life, highlighting their struggles and resilience. Through vivid illustrations and poignant storytelling, the narrative emphasizes the transformative power of education in overcoming adversity and building a brighter future. The book serves as both a heartfelt testament to the refugee experience and an inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
- 2020
Son of Happy
- 44 pages
- 2 hours of reading
In this hilarious and charming story, a boy wishes his dad had a regular job instead of being Happy the Clown -- but when his dad announces he is going back to his old job of being a lawyer, the boy soon realizes that he misses Happy!
- 2019
Mr. Tempkin Climbs a Tree
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The narrative explores the heartwarming bond between an elderly man and a young boy, highlighting their unique friendship. Through shared moments and gentle interactions, the story delves into themes of connection, wisdom, and the joy of companionship across generations. Their relationship offers insights into life’s simple pleasures and the meaningful impact of friendship.
- 2019
What Are You Doing, Benny?
- 36 pages
- 2 hours of reading
From New York Times-bestselling illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton and award-winning author Cary Fagan comes a charming sibling story that has the makings of a contemporary classic.Benny's little brother is really good at a lot of things -- making potions and paper airplanes, building forts, putting on puppet shows, even petting the neighbor's cat (he has a special way of scratching her just behind the ears). But whenever he tries to join in Benny's activities, all Benny ever says is "No." Maybe his little brother can watch him do cool stuff, if he's lucky. What is a little fox to do, except give Benny a taste of his own medicine? Totally familiar yet fresh and original, tenderly told and consistently funny, this story perfectly captures the joys (and annoyances!) of sibling relationships.
- 2019
King Mouse finds his authority in question when his subjects find crowns of their own. A gentle and humorous modern fable about imaginative play and kindness in the tradition of classics like Little Bear and Frog and Toad. A sweet, thoughtful tale of friendship, sharing and play, King Mouse begins when a mouse comes upon a tiny crown in the grass. The mouse puts the crown on his head, and when a bear subsequently comes upon him and asks if he's king, the mouse responds Yes. This diminutive monarch settles into his new role very comfortably until a snake comes upon a crown and claims she is queen. The mouse is not amused, especially when one by one the other animals find crowns and claim they are kings too. But when the bear can't find a crown, King Mouse make a most surprising decision.
- 2019
The Collected Works Of Gretchen Oyster
- 184 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Who is Gretchen Oyster? The discovery of a series of mysterious handmade postcards distracts Hartley from trouble at home. A poignant novel for fans of Rebecca Stead and Holly Goldberg Sloan. Hartley Staples, near-graduate of middle school, is grappling with the fact that his older brother has run away from home, when he finds a handmade postcard that fascinates him. And soon he spots another. Despite his losing interest in pretty much everything since Jackson ran away, Hartley finds himself searching for cards in his small town at every opportunity, ignoring other responsibilities, namely choosing a topic for his final project. Who is G.O. and why are they scattering cards about the town?
- 2018
Wolfie And Fly
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
A classic story of imagination, friendship, adventure and speeding through the ocean in a cardboard box. For fans of Ivy & Bean, Judy Moody or Nate the Great. Wolfie and Fly is an early chapter book at its simplest and best. Our heroine, Renata Wolfman (Wolfie) does everything by herself. Friends just get in the way, and she only has time for facts and reading. But friendship finds her in the form of Livingston Flott (Fly), the slightly weird and wordy boy from next door. Before she knows it, Wolfie is motoring through deep water with Fly as her second-in-command in a submarine made from a cardboard box. Out on a solo swim to retrieve a baseball vital to the mission, Wolfie is finally by herself again, but for the first time, she finds it a little lonely. Maybe there is something to this friend thing. . .