Zenith’s candidly funny first-person narrative applies a light, portmanteau-riddled touch to themes of death and grief, while the protagonists’ close relationships and powers offer up sheer spectral fun. — Publishers Weekly
In this latest caper from the ingenious Van Eekhout, readers will enjoy the banter as much as the topsy-turvy action. — Booklist
Praise for Fenris & Mott: "Van Eekhout gives readers both a redoubtable human protagonist who shows hidden depths of courage and resilience on the way to an ingenious resolution, and a canine one who is at once irresistibly winsome and terrifyingly destructive (not unlike many nonmythical dogs)." — Booklist (starred review)
"In this Rick Riordan–esque epic, modern and ancient worlds collide in a vividly sketched adventure that begs to be adapted for the screen. Thrilling and touching in equal measure." — Kirkus Reviews
"Van Eekhout applies a deft touch to Mott’s difficult ethical dilemma, imbuing the quickly paced story with tenderness and genuine surprises." — Publishers Weekly
Praise for Weird Kid: "Impeccably toned middle school humor, paired with action-packed hijinks and a poignant extended metaphor about finding one’s identity, results in a heartfelt, pitch-perfect middle grade novel." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A wacky, witty, action-packed alien adventure with a poignant message about being your best self.” — John David Anderson, author of Posted
“Greg van Eekhout brings magic, mystery, humor, and weird science to his wonderful WEIRD KID! Devious and fun –and highly recommended!” — Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin
"No one mixes gonzo with heartfelt like Greg van Eekhout. Amid wacky aliens, secret organizations, and larger-than-life guitar solos, is one kid just trying to figure out who he is. I was rooting for Jake on every page, and you will be, too!" — Jenn Reese, author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels
"Exciting and intriguing twist on science-fiction tropes. A standout SF adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Cog: “A page-turning novel of friendship, family, and standing up for what’s right.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Cog is a gem of a robot, and his robotic observations are comedic gold. Readers will be charmed by this sci-fi tale of free choice, hot dogs, and fun word problems.” — Booklist
“Van Eekhout brings considerable heart and wisdom to this coming-of-age tale. A thought-provoking tale for younger readers about hubris and what it means to be human.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Voyage of the Dogs: “Fast-moving, funny, and suspenseful. A deep-space furry adventure with heart and humor.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Who’s a good boy? Lopside and the canine crew of the starship Laika! This dogs in space romp will make you sit up and beg for more.” — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
“A crackling page-turner about courage and wonder, full of warmth and heart and characters who jump off the page. It’s my favorite book of the year." — Rae Carson, New York Times bestselling author of the Girl of Fire & Thorns series
“Dogs in space? Who knew we needed that? But Greg van Eekhout proves we did! Voyage of the Dogs is a delight, and kids are going to love it.” — Spencer Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of Woof
“Dog-lovers and space enthusiasts will gravitate to Van Eekhout’s riveting book.” — Booklist
2023-07-13
After becoming ghosts in a freak lab accident, a group of friends pull off heists in the hope of returning to life.
Zenith, a Dutch Indonesian 12-year-old, and her best friends have a lot of fun being dead, but they all agree they’d rather be alive again. And as her family prepares to move away from the area she haunts, Zenith in particular needs to return to life as soon as possible. Using their diverse set of ghostly powers, they work together to steal artifacts, books, and other magical objects that could return them to life, under the guidance of a medium. Nothing works…but then they attempt to take a device called Redeemer from a necromancer, who’s using it for nefarious purposes. When one of her friends gets caught in the middle of the botched job, Zenith must take on the role of leader and save her friends, but at what cost to herself? The kids’ clever antics keep the levity up through what could have been a somber story. Their respective powers, like Zenith’s ability to move physical objects, complement their unique personalities and are organically incorporated into their plans to swipe objects and rescue their friends. The blunt storytelling style brings some reveals on too early but otherwise works to great effect to keep the tone light even while delivering mature messages about death and the meaning of life.
A fun ghostly romp. (Fiction. 9-12)
