Fantasy Studies

Leap Books is proud to say that one of our books is considered a wonderful resource for students' fantasy studies. It is listed on this textbook site, with the following recommendation:

"For the Love of Strangers by Jacqueline Horsfall provides an excellent foundation for Fantasy studies. Jacqueline Horsfall's style is excellently suited toward Fantasy studies, and will teach students the material clearly without overcomplicating the subject... [T]his revision raises the bar for For the Love of Strangers's high standard of excellence, making sure that it stays one of the foremost Fantasy studies textbooks."

Horsfall's combination of fantasy and reality, along with her grasp of Russian mythology's deer goddess, make this a strong book for those who wish to learn more about fantasy writing. Shortlisted for the NY State Reading Association's Charlotte Award, For the Love of Strangers, is a well-crafted story that will linger in the minds and hearts of readers long after the book is put down.

2012 Green Earth Award finalist

Congratulations to Bonnie J. Doerr, whose eco-mystery Stakeout has been chosen as a finalist in the YA division for the Green Earth Award.

Given by the Newton Marasco Foundation (NMF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is "to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards." Each year the foundation chooses books that "inspire children to grow a deeper appreciation, respect, and responsibility for their natural environment" in several ages categories from picture book to young adult. In addition to receiving a monetary award, the author's books will be donated to Title I schools or military bases in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and/or Washington, DC.

Many authors hope for literary recognition, but Doerr said she's thrilled with this award because it shows her message about caring for the earth is getting through. Doerr's main character, Kenzie Ryan, and her sidekicks, Angelo and Ana, not only risk their lives to save endangered sea turtles from extinction, but they also clean up pollution and convince local stores to use cloth bags rather than plastic ones (which sometimes choke animals to death). A former science and reading teacher, Doerr has always dreamed of writing books that inspire teens to be green.