Storm Watchers: Take Cover!

“STORM WATCHER is a brilliant and beautiful tale of how the simple, honest love of a dog can help a lonely boy find his way out of the darkness. Subtle, powerful and highly recommended.”  ~ Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of FIRE & ASH and ROT & RUIN 

We're generating a thunderstorm of cheers for Maria V. Snyder's recent nomination of her Leap Books title, STORM WATCHER, for the 2015-2016 school year’s Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Young Reader’s Choice Awards Program in the Grades 6-8 Division. Congrats also to all the other huge talents nominated this year: http://pyrca.wikispaces.com/2015-16+Nominated+Titles

To celebrate Maria's nomination, we've created an animated version 

of the Storm Watcher cover.

Check it out! 

Lightning Never Strikes Twice, Does It?

Luke Riley is lost. His mother’s recent death has set Luke and his family adrift. Even though his father, twin brothers, and their three Bloodhounds are search and rescue volunteers, they have been unable to rescue themselves and become a family again.

The summer after sixth grade looms in Luke’s mind as a long, lonely three months where the only thing he can look forward to is watching The Weather Channel. Luke is fascinated with the weather, but since his mother’s death in a storm, he is also terrified. Even the promised 13th birthday present of a Bloodhound puppy fails to lift Luke’s spirits. He would rather have a different breed – a petite Papillon, but his father insists he get a Bloodhound.When Luke decides to get the Bloodhound from Willajean, a dog breeder who owns Storm Watcher Kennel, he works out a deal to help at her kennel in exchange for the expensive dog. Thrilled to have a summer with a purpose, Luke befriends Willajean’s daughter, Megan and together they plan how Luke can get a Papillon puppy instead of a Bloodhound.

But nothing seems to work as they struggle with stubborn fathers, summer storms, unhelpful siblings, and hidden guilt. Can one little white dog really save both families?

Don't forget to track down your own copy of this striking title today!  

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Maria V. Snyder's STORM WATCHER Nominated for Young Reader's Choice Award

STORM WATCHER, written by New York Times Bestselling author, Maria V. Snyder, is a nominee for the 2015-2016 school year’s Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Young Reader's Choice.

Leap Books, LLC is thrilled to announce their middle grade title, STORM WATCHER, written by New York Times Bestselling author Maria V. Snyder, is a nominee for the 2015-2016 school year’s Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Young Reader’s Choice Awards Program in the Grades 6-8 Division.

Snyder’s STORM WATCHER follows Luke Riley whose mother’s recent death set his family adrift. Even though his father, twin brothers, and their three Bloodhounds are search and rescue volunteers, they have been unable to rescue themselves and truly unite as a family again.

The purpose of the Young Readers Choice Awards Program is “…to promote reading of quality books by young people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to encourage teacher / librarian collaboration in young adult and children’s literature, and to honor authors whose works have been recognized by the students of Pennsylvania.” The 2015-2016 Master List of nominees, posted here, demonstrates Snyder is in good company.

Previous winners include: Katherine Applegate, Carl Hiaasen, Ransom Riggs, John Green, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Rick Riordan, and many other talents.

Maria V. Snyder switched careers from meteorologist to novelist when she began writing the New York Times

best-selling Study Series (POISON STUDY, MAGIC STUDY, FIRE STUDY, and SHADOW STUDY) about a young woman who becomes a poison taster. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maria dreamed of chasing tornados and earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University.  She used that scientific background when creating STORM WATCHER and includes intriguing and educational STEM-supporting information in the back of the novel in the form of “Luke’s Weather Notebook.”

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Praise for Storm Watcher:

“This deftly plotted story will engage readers of both genders with its fresh storyline….Intertwining family relationships, weather science and search-and-rescue dog training, this coming-of-age story relays themes of friendship, grief, challenge, fear and responsibility without didacticism or melodrama….A welcome addition to the middle-grade library.” ~Kirkus

“There is always room on the shelf for another exciting boy-and-his-dog story, and this readable contemporary novel will appeal especially to youngsters interested in search-and-rescue training or meteorology.” ~School Library Journal

“STORM WATCHER is a brilliant and beautiful tale of how the simple, honest love of a dog can help a lonely boy find his way out of the darkness. Subtle, powerful and highly recommended.” ~ Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of FIRE & ASH and ROT & RUIN

“Best-selling author Maria V. Snyder’s debut novel for young readers, Storm Watcher, is a thrilling, heart-warming canine caper. Thirteen-year-old Luke loves dogs and is fascinated with weather data—but storms terrify him. With lightning quick action, humor, and lots of dogs, Storm Watcher will delight readers. Also the scientific and math insights into weather will appeal to educators and inspire readers to create their own weather science projects. Highly recommended! ~ Linda Joy Singleton, author of THE SEER and DEAD GIRL series

Racing Hearts: Book 2 Cover Reveal Sign-up

Praise for Racing Hearts: Book 1

“Laura Lascarso clearly knows her stuff–about both fast cars and how to write a compelling tale. I loved Jesse and Brooke right away, and his story tugged at the heartstrings. Racing Hearts was a compelling, character driven tale that has more twists and turns than a motor speedway.”

~ Sherry Ficklin, author of QUEEN OF SOMEDAY, LOSING LOGAN, and EXTRACTED

“Racing Hearts is a sexy, steamy, thrill-read that will leave you wanting more Jesse and Brooke!” ~ Robin Constantine, author of THE PROMISE OF AMAZING

Get in on the action! Join us for the cover reveal of RACING HEARTS: BOOK 2: