middle grade books Archives - Donna Galanti - Where heart and hope meet adventure!

From Hawaii to Cape Cod, New Book Written, New Release + 3-Book Giveaway!

Happy Labor Day if you celebrate here in the U.S.! I hope you have special plans to celebrate all your labors this year.

I haven’t posted here since March! Life has been pretty busy—in all good ways—but I miss sharing with you all. So, let’s get right to the fun stuff! I’m giving away a fantastic mix of three middle grade hardcover books today—spooky, heartfelt, and adventurous. Be sure to scroll down to enter to win at the bottom of this post. Contest ends September 12th. U.S. readers only please.

We’ve got:

Daybreak on Raven Island by Fleur Bradley
From the critically acclaimed author of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel comes a thrilling new middle grade mystery novel inspired by Alcatraz Prison. If you love ominous, atmospheric stories, then you’ll love this book.

Read my 7 Reasons Why to Like Daybreak on Raven Island and my full review here!

Sunshine by Marion Dane Bauer

Set in the northern Minnesota wilderness, a timeless novel about a boy and his imaginary dog explores the legacy of guilt and blame—and what really constitutes a family.

A must-read for dog lovers, children of divorce, and the imaginative and outdoorsy, Sunshine is a poignant, ultimately hopeful story about self-discovery, facing big realities, and finally, forgiving the things—and people—you can’t forget.

The Dare Sisters by Jess Rinker

Savannah Dare has always wanted to be a pirate. She grew up on legends of Blackbeard from her grandfather―her best friend and fellow treasure hunter.

But now he’s gone. Savannah and her sisters, Frances and Jolene are left to find Blackbeard’s lost loot on their own. It was their grandfather’s dream, and they can’t let him down.

Check out book 2 as well, The Dare Sisters: Shipwrecked!

And now for some bookish news of my own …

The final and third volume of Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal has released digitally in a 5-part serial on the Epic! Unlimited platform for young readers. Get access here to the entire Unicorn Island series in a 15-part serial at the award-winning, leading digital library for kids: https://www.getepic.com/! However, to read the entire serial of Unicorn Island’s three volumes you’ll need the unlimited subscription for $9.99 a month. Plus, all the audiobooks are included as well! Not online here? No worries—the 3rd volume also releases in hardcover April 4th, 2023. Check out my Unicorn Island books and get all the Unicorn Island updates here.

Pre-Order Volume 3 in hardcover Beyond the Portal here! Out 4/4/23

And on to travel news! In May I visited my son, Joshua, on Oahu for three weeks. He picked me up at the airport after a very long travel day with a fresh lei! We had so much fun touring around the island from where he lives in Waikiki to botanical gardens to pretty Kailua Beach to farmer’s markets to my fave spot, Haleiwa at the North Shore.

The best part of our trip? Spending five days on the Big Island … because volcanoes! I immediately fell in love with this big island (literally like four times the size of densely populated Oahu). It’s wild, ruggedness was breathtaking. Plus, waterfalls galore and so empty and black at night, you see nothing for miles driving under the stars. The climate is wild as well. It can go from 50 degrees at night to 82 driving north then to 75 and 65 and back to 82 all in the span of an hour’s drive. We traveled down the 19-mile long Chain of Craters road all alone at night to walk an ancient petroglyph field with flashlights.

We stayed in this little Hawaiian paradise house on a private tropical acre where we heard and saw no one except dozens of tree frogs. Back in 2018, a volcano exploded in this neighborhood taking out 700 homes as lava made a swath to the sea. Miraculously, no one was even hurt but it’s eerie to drive around to come upon a road to nowhere as jagged black lava has taken over. And oh, there was more lava! Volcanoes National Park was AMAZING. To see bubbling craters and lava rivers at night was something I’ll never forget. We even hiked across an old lava crater lake. Our favorite town was Hilo—the largest on the island with 4,000 residents. Best farmer’s market, too! Local crafts and exotic food like ice cream fruit and sour sop fruit.

After Hawaii, there was more travel twice to Cape Cod for lovely writing retreats. I did lots of hiking along the bay and ocean and even kayaked among a pod of 50 seals!

We celebrated the release of my friend’s second novel, The Edge of Summer. If you’re looking for a heartfelt read check out The Edge of Summer by talented author, Erica George.

You’ll be swept away by this big-hearted novel about one girl navigating first loss and first love during her summer on Cape Cod.

Our son came home to visit in July, and we had a blast getting away for a week in the Finger Lakes of New York and touring Jim Thorpe, PA.

We had a peaceful cabin on ten acres to explore. There was hiking at Letchworth State Park and kayaking ….

On the way home we visited the Corning Museum of Glass. Highly recommend! You need an entire day to take in the glass blowing demonstrations, glass art, and historical glass collections going back 3500 years. Plus, the town of Corning is adorable and the perfect spot for lunch. Then Josh and I zoomed down to North Carolina as he wanted to see his grandpa.

I got to see my Little Sister again, too. My first Unicorn Island book is dedicated to her.

It’s been so wonderful to see her grow up over the years. While I’ve now moved too far away to officially be her Big Sister anymore, I’m still grateful to have her in my life. She is such a joy. I see the world through a different, amazing lens with her. This is so much why I love to write for kids. If you’re considering joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, I highly recommend this organization.

AND I’m so giddy as I decided to treat myself and rent writing office space away from my home office.

It’s the perfect space on an adorable little historic street and I’ve already met so many people in the neighborhood strolling by “the author’s office” who will be characters in future books. LOL!

And this office space was just what I needed to finish writing THE END on a new book! There’s nothing quite like this feeling of exaltation for a writer. I created the idea on a walk last December and didn’t start it until this spring. I struggled with it for many reasons … family needs, vacation, health issues. Also, the fact it’s a different kind of story for me. Writing middle grade in alternating points of view for the first time and in a school setting (I skipped much of school in my time, off daydreaming, reading, and writing in secret nooks!). It also includes characters with autoimmune issues like me.

Writing THE END again got me thinking of my book writing journey over the past years and I looked to what I’ve accomplished.

My first finished book sits printed in a shoebox (literally), others are unfinished or unrevised (or need major re-plotting!) or didn’t sell (yet!).

Here’s what I discovered I’ve achieved. It gives me heart, and to remember this when I’m feeling despaired over writing.

14 books written
6 books published
3 book ideas plotted to start
3 books to be revised
2 book ideas
2 books in-draft
1 book coming out 2023
1 book on submission through my agent

Others have done so much more than me, and others less. But this is my journey, no one else’s. Remember that for you, too. If you have dreams to achieve, I hope you write a list of all you’ve accomplished and take heart in what you’ve done–and all you can still do with the time you have ahead.

And finally, I’ve been working on a big project I’m super passionate about! As you all know I love being in nature and creating—so I decided to bring my two favorite combos together with my very own Etsy shop. My shop “Go Wild Design: Nature Inspired Gear, Gifts, and Apparel” offers my unique designs.

I have 150 products created but will debut this fall with about 35 and release more monthly. Here are some I’m working on. So much fun! Looking forward to sharing soon!

Happy reading everyone!

ENTER THE 3-BOOK GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand is out in hardcover today + an excerpt!

By Donna Galanti

I’m so excited that today is the day the illustrated hardcover of the second book in the Unicorn Island series, Secret Beneath the Sand, is released! You can order it here at your favorite bookseller. If you do, I’d love to send you a bookmark and autographed book plate label for you—or another special reader. Just email me your address and who you’d like the book personalized for at donna@donnagalanti.com.

It’s been a wonderful journey writing the Unicorn Island series and it all started with my publisher who said, “I’d like for you to write a book about a girl who has to take care of a unicorn.” And of course, I said YES to that because … unicorns! They are magical, wondrous, and mysterious. 🦄

In Volume 2 of the series, Sam and Tuck are on their way to becoming unicorn protectors when they discover new secrets about the island that threaten unicorns’ existence!

Sam can’t believe how much her life and luck have changed since she came to Foggy Harbor: First, she discovered that unicorns are real, and now she’s on her way to becoming an actual unicorn protector! With her new friend, Tuck, by her side during Uncle Mitch’s lessons, Sam finally feels like she’s home.

But as the long-buried dangers of Unicorn Island begin to surface and a mysterious scourge spreads throughout the herd, Sam learns the truth behind Aunt Sylvie’s disappearance and her own connection to the island. With determination, courage, and fierce loyalty to one another—and to their code as unicorn protectors—the kids set out to protect the island’s secrecy and the unicorns’ very existence.

Wonderful news has been rolling in about the book and here are some advance reviews …

“A sweet but not overly sugary treat for unicorn devotees.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story-line was thrilling … a fantastic page turning, edge of your seat tale.” – Goodreads reviewer

Here is a sneak peek at the amazing artwork by Bethany Stancliffe!

Download these fun Secret Beneath the Sand activities! And of course you can watch the thrilling book trailer below.

Check out an excerpt from Secret Beneath the Sand:

Sam frowned. A month ago, it had seemed that Mel, Foggy Harbor’s veterinarian and Tuck’s mom, had cured Barloc of a strange illness. But now that Sam thought about it, the young unicorn had seemed more tired this past week. He was running more slowly and sleeping a lot more.

She knelt in front of Barloc, looking into his violet eyes. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise. She gripped the necklace that Verny had given to her. Made from a unicorn tail, it was a symbol of his trust.

Barloc closed his eyes. I’m just tired. I have been since I got back to the island.

Sam bent her head to his and laid a hand on his horn. It felt warm against her fingers. She frowned and held the back of her hand against his horn to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. It was definitely radiating heat.

“Uncle Mitch,” Sam said, her voice quavering, “I think something’s wrong with Barloc.”

Uncle Mitch quickly knelt down next to her. He checked the young unicorn’s eyes and breathing, then stroked his horn.

“His horn is warm,” Sam whispered. “What does it mean?”

Uncle Mitch shook his head and bit his lip as he continued his inspection. Barloc whinnied softly, looking into Sam’s eyes.

“I know you don’t want to think about this, but . . . it could be the sign of another disease,” Tuck said.

“No!” Sam shook her head and jumped up. As she did, the ground beneath her suddenly rocked. She fell to her knees as the earth buckled. Uncle Mitch grabbed both her and Tuck, pulling them in close as Verny screeched and took to the skies, circling overhead with frenzied dips.

The herd bolted across the meadow in confusion and fear as Barloc bowed his head, digging his hooves into the quaking earth.

Watch for the 3rd and final volume of Unicorn Island to release in hardcover winter 2023.

Happy Reading!

XXOO–Donna

My Travel Year + Pre-Order Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath The Sand Now!

By Donna Galanti

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve sent out some news, but it’s been quite the year as you’ll soon read below!

But right now, I’m getting excited for Volume 2 of Unicorn Island, Secret Beneath the Sand, to release February 1^st in hardcover! The illustrations are AMAZING in this book and I can’t wait for you to see them. AND you can pre-order Secret Beneath the Sand now. If you do, I can send you a bookmark and an autographed book plate label for you—or a special reader you know. 😊 Just email me your address and who you’d like the book personalized for at donna@donnagalanti.com. Check out the cover here!

In Volume 2 of the series, Sam and Tuck are on their way to becoming unicorn protectors when they discover new secrets about the island that threaten unicorns’ existence!

PRE-ORDER AT YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER

I just sent the final draft for Unicorn Island Volume 3 to my editor. Watch for this coming out February 2023! For now, see a sneak peek into the beautiful artwork by Bethany Stancliffe she created for Secret Beneath the Sand.

Don’t have a copy of Unicorn Island 1 yet? You can order both here!

As I said, it’s been a crazy year. After packing up our house and moving to a new area and home … over the course of 13 weeks, I was then gone for 10 of those weeks because…

Spent a month in Hawaii moving my son to Oahu for a GAP year before college.
Traveled to North Carolina three times to visit my dad and get him registered for assisted living.
Traveled to Cape Cod twice for writing retreats.
Traveled to Northern NY for a writing retreat.
Visited Vermont for our 20^th wedding anniversary.
Visited D.C. to see an old friend.
All while on book deadline for Unicorn Island 3 and dealing with a leg injury I needed physical therapy for! (I am on the mend although it’s been slow).

See some photos below!

I’m finally getting settled in my new home and having fun exploring the area. I’m living back in the country now and loving it. It’s so picturesque and peaceful and dark at night. I love the spread of farms and fields and woods. The Mennonite horse and buggies clip-clopping past our house. The covered bridges and little farm stands with local artisanal food.

And getting settled means getting back to writing! In particular, revisions of a fun adventure middle grade I hope to send my agent in the New Year. The story involves a legacy, a ticking clock, a ghost story, a quest to save an ancestral home, a hidden fortune, and family lost and found.

As for me, my head is already getting ready for Christmas as one month from today my son, Joshua, comes home for two whole weeks. I have peace of mind that he loves his job, his car, and his apartment. Plus, he’s working hard on his business he launched as a Junior in high school–Spiffy Laces. Watch for his new designs coming soon. He uniquely designs them himself! ORDER HERE.

I won’t have seen Joshua for 3 ½ months and that is waaaaayyyyy too long. ☹ Miss this kid–and how he makes me laugh.

I hope you all are having a wonderful fall! Happy reading and adventuring!

XXOO -Donna

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand Out Today on Epic + Exciting Book News & Nature Videos!!

By Donna Galanti

Today is the day! The next books in my Unicorn Island series, Secret Beneath the Sand, releases on Epic! There are new characters, new creatures, and new adventures to enjoy. 😊

In the next part of the series, when a mysterious scourge spreads among the unicorns, Sam and Tuck must face a long-buried secret to protect the herd.

Epic, the leading digital reading platform for kids 12 and under, releases Secret Beneath the Sand in a 5-part serial this month. The illustrated hardcover, that includes all 5 serial books, will be released by Andrews McMeel in winter 2022!

I’ve had so much fun writing the Unicorn Island series because … unicorns! Plus, the illustrator, Bethany Stancliffe, has done such an amazing job with the artwork for both books throughout, too.

But this isn’t all the news for today. Here’s more BIG Unicorn Island News:
There will be a third and final book in the Unicorn Island series! I am so excited to be working with Epic again to create book 3 and the ending will literally BE epic! I’m already plotting the end (and new characters!) and can’t wait to deliver this final story. Watch for this story to come out in spring 2022 on the Epic platform, followed by illustrated hardcover.

Get access to the book on Epic and 40,000+ other books for kids here. You can also gift this award-winning subscription to a child. Sign up and catch the second part of Secret Beneath the Sand in the 5-part series!

And now for some nature scenes to calm you down after all this excitement. 😊

I go to my special, secret woods several times a week. It’s been wondrous this spring to see them come alive. With spring rains, the woods are wonderfully mucky with the pungent scent of damp blossom and bark in the air. The mourning doves call to one another and songbirds rejoice, flitting between all the green.

Walking through the woods I came around the corner to see three fox kits scurry along and down into their den. I froze and they soon came out. I watched them play and relax for twenty minutes before I had to head home.

Here they are on video. Curious little kits!

And just hanging out…

At this peaceful spot by the creek in my chair, I had a window to the many blue herons that soared down the creek.

This guy came along and just stopped in front of me and fished for twenty minutes. Watch him get the fish!

Here he sails away…

Well, we did it! With our son graduating and moving to Hawaii this summer, it’s time for these empty nesters to move north to the country. We found a wonderful farmhouse to rent on 20 acres to explore a new area to potentially buy in. It’s a quirky place with loads of character, trails to meander, and a writing office with a view. It will be a bittersweet adjustment but here’s to getting out of your comfort zone and grabbing the next life adventure!

I hope you are getting outdoors and enjoying the weather!

XXOO-Donna

Enter 3-Book Middle Grade Giveaway + Watch Me Answer Reader Questions!

By Donna Galanti

Happy spring everyone! Here’s my first walk in the woods in 3 weeks since surgery–and on the first day of spring! Took it slow but love my new pop up chair to doze in the sun when I get tired. Daffodils are springing up. Where flowers bloom, so does hope. My buddy, Star, also helped me get through a long recovery.

And it’s been a fun month since the illustrated hardcover of Unicorn Island released in February. Book 2, Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand, releases in 5 parts on Epic!, the leading digital library for kids 12 and under, starting May 10^th. Sign up here to read it.

First, here’s some updated news!

I’ve had so many wonderful virtual author school visits this month and got such great questions from young readers, I thought I’d answer some of them here. Take a look!

Read a review by Author Lee McKenzie. “A delightful story that young readers will fall in love with.

What a fun review of Unicorn Island by a young reader at Reader Views. “Things were so exciting I couldn’t wait to keep reading to find out what would happen next!”

Do you love to read middle grade, no matter your age—like me? Then enter to win my 3-book giveaway below! I’m giving away 3 hardcovers of new books I fell in love with. Check out my reviews and enter. U.S. and Canada only please. 😊 Read more about these books.

365 DAYS TO ALASKA by Cathy Carr

One of my favorite books in a long time! I loved this book all the way through! I was hooked from the very start with Rigel fully embracing her Alaskan wilderness life and then to follow her challenges within suburban life. Carr does a wonderful job of showing us Rigel’s new suburban world through her eyes with a wild Alaska perspective. This is a poignant story about loss, friendship, and about being true to yourself–especially when it’s all you’ve got to hold onto, or at least you think you do! I felt deeply for Rigel especially when we see her so alone in this strange new world and her only friend a crow. This immediately shot me back to middle school where I was placed in a new school and also didn’t fit in and I’d sneak outdoors to be in nature. You can always count on nature to be there for you, and the friendship between Rigel and crow is written with emotional depth. I admit I teared up several times throughout this book! A story full of heart and hope. A bittersweet tale about coming of age–with all it encompasses: self-awareness, transformation, disappointment, sadness, and new beginnings.

Cathy’s books

MARY UNDERWATER by Shannon Doleski

There are so many things to love about this book. We follow Mary, the courageous main character, in her struggle to find her voice and break free of what is holding her back. She is an appealing character and her friend, Kip, is a fun contrast to her. The heart of the book is the unique and challenging adventure Mary pursues and how it transforms her to find the courage she’s always sought. This is a heartfelt story with light moments but also dark undertones.

Shannon’s books

THE BRAVE by James Bird

This was a beautiful and poetic story. We are deeply immersed in Collin’s point of view, a young boy with an OCD issue that isolates him. Yet, we see him come into his own once he finds where he truly belongs–with lost family. Collin is indeed brave and his newfound friend, encourages him. She helps him find his way and also the strength inside him to love and to let go when necessary. The mystical, Native American elements to this story enrich it with lyrical imagery and beauty. A story full of hope and a sense of home.

James’ books

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And in case you missed it, if you’re a fiction writer wondering how to create a world in your story you can sign up for my virtual class, Foundations of Worldbuilding for Any Genre.

INFO:

Pearl S. Buck Writing Center
April 17th from 1:30pm – 3pm (EST)
Fee: $25

All stories happen somewhere. Whether you write fantasy, dystopian, science fiction, or even about the “real world,” world building is key to creating a meaningful story.

I’ll share methods of world building that any writer can apply. From the smallest details to the rules of its universe, discover the way a considered approach to world building can govern the hearts of your characters and help drive your story.

Topics include: elements of world building, using world building to support conflict and tension, world building questions and resources, seven main areas that serve as the foundation for your world, and what to avoid in building your world. I’ll also share real-book examples to supplement my topics.

REGISTER: https://psbwritingcenter.org/…/foundations-of-world…/

Hope to see you there!