2020 Washington State Book Award finalist
Eleven-year-old Josh hopes that he’ll make friends at his new school, but instead he feels more invisible than ever. And lonely. That’s when two things happen: his long-lost imaginary friends begin to reappear, and he receives a strange invitation to join something called “The Gorilla Club,” held in a creepy abandoned house in the middle of the woods. As he heads out to the first meeting of the Gorilla Club, the more mysterious the quest becomes. With each new revelation, Josh discovers more about the world and himself, like how a unique way of seeing the world can reveal many things, including the magic of a real-life friend.
“I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy or benefit from reading this novel, so I highly recommend it to anyone over the age of 10.”
“Readers can dive and get lost in the ambiguous, creepy elements that will prepare them for the horror of Stephen King.”
“Classic Summer Adventure.”
Blue Ribbon Award The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Missy narrates in a voice both authentic and insightful. This accessible, enjoyable novel is well suited for those tweens who, like Missy, are balking at life’s crossroads.”
“This quiet, deftly written coming-of-age novel is a good choice for kids looking for a sympathetic protagonist whose issues are relatable but not too serious.”
“Heart-rendingly unflagging in the face of life-changing events, Missy’s a funny, compelling heroine that readers will cheer for.”
“Nickerson constantly balances her plot with light-hearted moments that are punctuated with unexpected comedy… an absolutely stellar coming-of-age story that should be earmarked for the silver screen.”
It’s the summer of change for twelve-year-old Missy and her older brother, as they land their very first jobs—picking blueberries on a mysterious farm that is bursting with long-held family secrets.
Searching for answers about her family’s past, twelve-year-old Margaret travels to an island, where an abandoned family mansion holds three odd clues: a swimming medal, a key, and a handwritten comic book by a mysterious author who goes by the name Ratt. Was he really once a boy who turned into a giant rat? And what is his connection to Margaret and the mysteries surrounding her family? Most of all, is she brave enough to discover the truth?
“Nickerson’s writing style bursts with energy and humor. Readers will laugh and cry with Margaret, shivering alongside her during moments of heart-stopping suspense.”
“Spookily surreal... Engrossing, thematically rich, and atmospheric.”