Early Fiction

The First Chapter is an anthology that traces the evolution of Michael Maxwell's storytelling, from his earliest short stories to the polished prose of today. Spanning decades of creative growth, this collection showcases a variety of narratives—from flash fiction that captures raw, fleeting moments to The Whistler, an epic fantasy adventure written for his oldest son. In The Whistler, a young man sets off on a daring quest to reach the sea—a feat no one in his small village has ever attempted—making this tale a thrilling journey of discovery, courage, and wonder for young adults. For...

Ballet has never been fancier! Fancy Nancy loves going to ballet class with her best friend, Bree. But when she realizes that her dad and the rest of her family have a lot to learn about ballet, she has a fabulous idea! What if she opened her own ballet school?

This is Max. Max is very sleepy. It's way past Max's bedtime. Max has drunk his milk. Max has brushed his teeth. Max has cleaned behind his ears. Now Max just needs to say good night.... Max is tired and all ready for bed, but when he can't find the moon to say good night to, he sets out to find it. But that's not as easy as Max had hoped....

Rot is a mutant potato. Like most mutant potatoes, Rot loves mud. He plays games in it, he eats it, he even sleeps in it! So, when Rot sees the most magnificent, messy mud pit ever, he can’t wait to dive right in. But then, Rot’s big brother warns him: Watch out for the Squirm! The Squirm is slippery and slimy and gross and grimy, and it lives in the beloved mud. Now, Rot’s too scared to jump into the puddle. Can anything help him feel brave enough to take the plunge and face...the Squirm?

A historical fiction book set in the English countryside during the early 20th century. “The Lost Drifter” follows the story of Peter, a young artist and former convict, who has taken to living life as a wandering piper after being released from prison for a crime he didn't commit. Initially sentenced for forgery and embezzlement, Peter had taken the fall to protect a friend. Set against the backdrop of idyllic rural England, the narrative delves deep into Peter's internal and external journey as he navigates life post-incarceration, blending moments of introspection with encounters ...

A mystery novel set in Marsh Quay, England, during the early 20th century. In the tranquil estuary of Marsh Quay, the return of adventurer Percival Fletcher from Africa sparks intrigue and leads to a chilling murder that shakes the small community to its core. As the locals grapple with the shocking news, the investigation reveals a tangled web of deceit and hidden identities that threaten to expose long-buried secrets. Who killed Fletcher, and why? Join the quest for truth in this enthralling tale of betrayal and justice. When Hank Lark, a crew member of a coasting schooner, witnesses the ...

Join Three Best Friends on a Magical Adventure Through Seven Enchanted Towers! When curious seven-year-old Imani, enthusiastic Tommy, and knowledgeable Maya discover a mysterious glowing flag on their neighborhood steps, they're whisked away to the magical Land of Many Celebrations. There, they must help Queen Jubilee restore the lost magic to seven wonderful towers, each holding a different celebration that teaches valuable life lessons. Perfect for Ages 6-9, this enchanting chapter book combines: ✓ Educational Content - Children learn about patriotism, kindness, teamwork, healthy habits...

A mystery book set in New York and Philadelphia during the early 20th century, "Sophia the Wild" plunges readers into a spellbinding journey of secrets, suspense, and self-discovery. This exhilarating narrative unfolds in the extravagant Stanford Johnson Mansion close to New York City and in Philadelphia's labyrinthine streets.Delve into the decadent world of the early 20th century, where industries blossom, airships grace the skies, and secrets rest in the parchment of scrolls and the corners of grand mansions. Synopsis The story follows Sophia, the adopted daughter of tycoon Stanford ...

Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya on a Magical July 1st Adventure That Celebrates Friendship, Kindness, and Cultural Traditions! When a mysterious rainbow breeze swirls around their favorite front steps, three best friends discover a sparkling map that leads them into an enchanting festival world. But the Star of Celebration has gone dark, and only by working together can they restore the magic of July 1st! Perfect for Ages 6-9 Early Chapter Book 2,500 Words 10 Exciting Chapters What Makes This Story Special: ✨ Educational Adventure - Children learn about international celebrations including ...

"Little Italy Murder" is a gritty crime novel set in the heart of New York City during the dark days of the early 20th century. Witness the birth of organized crime and the infamous "Black-Hand" society as they sew terror into NYC's Italian-American community.The plot unravels amidst urban grime, when on April 14, 1903, a mutilated body tucked into a barrel is discovered on East Eleventh Street, sparking the beginning of citywide panic. What follows is an in-depth exploration into the depths of the Black-Hand gang's heinous activities, led by brutal mafia leaders, Giuseppe Severin and ...

For new girl Darrell Rivers, there are friends to be made, pranks to be played and fun to be had at Malory Towers in Enid Blyton's best-loved boarding school series. In audiobook 12, the sixth form girls are to attend finishing school before they're sent out into the world. They are to learn deportment, etiquette and obedience. Oh dear! Expect more drama at Malory Towers!

A mystery novel set in early 20th century New York City. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and shadowy alleyways, Lawrence Carl Wilson finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue that spans generations. When a stranger mistakenly hands him a letter and a key meant for another man, Lawrence's life takes an unexpected turn. As Lawrence delves deeper into the enigma surrounding his uncle's past, he uncovers hidden family secrets, romantic entanglements, and personal ambitions that could alter the course of his family forever. Each page is filled with suspense, drawing readers into a world where...

A Kardashian-like family and the early climate change movement are linked by a suspicious death 30 years ago. Artie Flanagan leaves his job as scriptwriter for Peepin' on the Pisanos to investigate three tragic accidents connected to the reality show matriarch Suzie Pisano. Backed by a wealthy producer to create a sensational documentary, Flanagan homes in on uncovering secrets about the death of climate activist Jimmy Doherty, a senator rumored to have had a torrid affair with the married Suzie. As disturbing discoveries mount, Flanagan finds himself not only followed, threatened, and ...

Escritos cuando tenía unos veinticinco años y vivía en Francia con su marido, el poeta y banquero norteamericano Hugh Parker Guiler, estos dieciséis relatos inéditos en castellano sorprenden por su madurez y frescura, a la vez que muestran ya los dos elementos que luego se afianzarían en su obra — la ironía y el feminismo — y también sus obsesiones — el deseo femenino, la sexualidad, el adulterio, la belleza y el retrato de una masculinidad tan deslumbradora como tóxica.

Join Imani, Tommy, and Maya on Their Most Magical Adventure Yet! When mysterious silver lights dance in the sky and everyone starts forgetting important things, three best friends discover they're needed in the enchanted Starlight Factory. This award-winning children's book series delivers another captivating tale that combines early learning, STEM education, and character development in one unforgettable adventure. Perfect for Ages 6-9 Independent Readers & Family Read-Alouds What Makes This Children's Book Special: 🌟 Educational Adventure Fiction that teaches valuable life lessons ...

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is always better when it comes to fancy.... In this story, Fancy Nancy is faced with a tutu dilemma - that’s a fancy way of saying she doesn’t know what to do!

Dead Amy Speaks by Steven DetmersA paranormal fiction novel set in Herefordshire during the early 20th century. Lauren Carlton's world is shattered when his beloved fiancée, Amy Nugent, dies suddenly. Overwhelmed by grief and desperation, Lauren finds himself drawn into the enigmatic world of Spiritualism, seeking any means to communicate with Amy once more. As she delves deeper into séances and supernatural claims, Lauren grapples with his faith, the boundaries of reality, and the profound impact of her loss. Discover the emotional depth of Lauren's journey as he navigates a path fraught...

Fancy Nancy can't wait to attend her uncle's wedding. She envisions the most exquisite celebration to take place - after all, she's never been to a wedding before. But when Nancy learns that her uncle and his fiancée, Dawn, are taking a more nontraditional route, she's afraid it won't be the fancy wedding she had hoped for.

Victoria's dental hygienist and dentist explain how the tools they use on her teeth protect all the parts of her teeth and put a shine on her smile.

Growing up on a farm in early twentieth-century rural Iceland, Karitas Ólafsdóttir, one of six siblings, yearns for a new life. An artist, Karitas has a powerful calling and is determined to never let go of her true being, one unsuited for the conventional. But she is powerless against the fateful turns of real life and all its expectations of women. Pulled back time and again by design and by chance to the Icelandic countryside - as dutiful daughter, loving mother, and fisherman’s wife - she struggles to thrive, to be what she was meant to be.