This author's work is deeply influenced by a rural childhood on a small farm, shaped by limited technology and a close bond with her sister, who later became a celebrated writer. Her background in art and architectural history further informs her unique narrative style. She possesses a keen eye for the built environment, adeptly weaving personal experiences and passions like food and gardening into rich, atmospheric stories. Her prose is both engaging and structurally sophisticated, often drawing from her understanding of urbanism and design.
Offers information such as: the frightening childhood experiences that inspired the authors' lifelong passion for the paranormal; the history and science behind ghosts and other supernatural entities, with an illustrated guide to each class of spook; and, helpful sidebars like Is It a Ghost? A Handy Quiz, Ectoplasm Clean-up Tips, and more.
Murdock's stunning debut novel, narrated by 15-year-old D.J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, is now available in paperback.
During her junior year basketball season, D.J. faces the dual challenges of college recruiting and romance.
D.J. Schwenk is navigating the challenges of eleventh grade, balancing her budding romance with the popular Brian Nelson and her unique position as the first female linebacker on her high school football team. As she reconnects with her best friend Amber and faces family dynamics at Schwenk Farm, D.J. learns to confront unexpected obstacles. The journey reveals her inner strength and resilience, highlighting themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the unpredictability of life.
Boy has always been relegated to the outskirts of his small village. With a large hump on his back, a mysterious past, and a tendency to talk to animals, he is often mocked and abused by the other kids in his town. Until the arrival of a shadowy pilgrim named Secondus. Impressed with Boy’s climbing and jumping abilities, Secondus engages Boy as his servant, pulling him into an expedition across Europe to gather the seven precious relics of Saint Peter. Boy quickly realizes this journey is not an innocent one. They are stealing the relics, and gaining dangerous enemies in the process. But Boy is determined to see this pilgrimage through until the end—for what if St. Peter can make Boy’s hump go away? This compelling, action-packed tale is full of bravery and daring, stars a terrific cast of secondary characters, and features an unlikely multigenerational friendship at its heart. Memorable and haunting, Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s epic medieval adventure is just right for readers of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax, Adam Gidwitz’s The Inquisitor’s Tale, and Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Echo. Features a map and black-and-white art throughout.
Using a mysterious wardrobe that allows them to travel through time, two eleven-year-olds, Federico a boy from the Italian Renaissance and Bee a girl from present-day New Jersey, work together to prevent the bickering between two great artists from changing the future.
Focusing on the evolving perceptions of alcohol and gender, the author skillfully explores the social and political events that have shaped American culture. This examination reveals how these factors intertwine and influence societal norms and behaviors, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact on American life.
Family secrets, first love, and the magic of Rome take center stage in Catherine Gilbert Murdock's newest novel for middle grade readers.
Una storia di coraggio, audacia, amicizia, identità, diversità e pregiudizio, in un’avvincente avventura attraverso il mondo medievale, con le sue credenze, superstizioni e fascino. Siamo nel 1350, l’anno dopo la peste nera, e Ragazzo è un orfano che lavora come guardiano di capre nella tenuta di Sir Jacques. Da sempre relegato in un piccolo villaggio, Ragazzo ha un passato misterioso, la capacità di parlare con gli animali e una grande gobba sulla schiena, spesso causa di esclusione e maltrattamenti da parte degli altri ragazzi del paese. Proprio in quei campi, Ragazzo incontra Secundus, un ombroso pellegrino che lo trascina con sé in un viaggio attraverso l’Europa medievale, alla ricerca delle sette reliquie di San Pietro. Il tragitto è lungo e ben presto Ragazzo si rende conto che nasconde delle insidie, ma è determinato a non rinunciare, nella speranza che una volta trovate le reliquie San Pietro possa far scomparire la sua gobba.
