The Secret Box: 1 - Softcover

"This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages." -- Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series "Never mind the mystery, suspense, and humor-what I loved most about The Secret Box was getting into the heads of its two unique and delightfully quirky narrators." -- Christopher Healy, author of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom "Fresh voices make this story a winner. Readers will relish this sparkling adventure, which offers plenty of action, humor, age-appropriate danger and mental calisthenics." -- Kirkus Reviews "This is a great read for reluctant readers or for anyone who loves adventure, mystery, or a touch of magic." -- School Library Journal "This is a promising launch to a planned trilogy. Mixing Greek mythology and mystery with gamer lingo and poignant coming-of-age moments, Ringwald delivers a smart balance of comedy, endearing characters, and high-stakes escapades." -- Publishers Weekly "The first-person narrative alternates among the protagonists: frizzy-haired Jax, the impulsive leader; introverted Ethan, always her sidekick; and his obnoxious video game-making older brother, Tyler. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is real." -- Booklist

The Secret Box is a Junior Library Guild selection and the first in an irresistible middle grade series that will delight fans of Dan Gutman, Wendy Mass, and Trenton Lee Stewart. What starts as a fun quest to open a mysterious birthday present quickly turns crazy and dangerous when Jax and her cousin Ethan discover themselves at the center of a special magical legacy. Soon they realize the secret box was not intended as a gift, but as call for help that they alone can answer. Readers will love the page-turning mystery, hilarious girl and boy narrators, and clever incorporation of mythology-and lingering questions will leave them eager for more.