The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable Fib - Hardcover

Shaughnessy, Adam

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1616204982 ISBN 13: 9781616204983

Publisher: Algonquin Books, 2015

Synopsis

"What is the Unbelievable FIB?"

That's the question eleven-year-old Prudence Potts discovers on a baffling card no one else in Middleton--except ABE, a new kid at school with a knack for solving riddles--seems to see. Then a mysterious man asks for ABE and Pru's help investigating mythical beings infiltrating the town, and that's just the first of many things Pru finds hard to believe.

Soon Pru and ABE discover another world beneath their quiet town, where Viking gods lurk just out of sight. And when the pair find themselves locked in a battle against a dangerously clever enemy, they must race to secure the Eye of Odin, source of all knowledge--and the key to stopping a war that could destroy both human and immortal realms.

Author Adam Shaughnessy draws from classic lore to create a tale rich in puzzles, plot twists, charming characters, and sly humor in which uncertainty opens the door to magic and the last thing you should do is believe your own eyes.

About this title

Review:

"Puzzles, plot twists, and sly humor abound. Fans of Rick Riordan and Diana Wynne Jones, take note!"--Learning Magazine

"Debut author Shaughnessy skillfully weaves Norse myth, the story of Baba Yaga, and Pru's pain over her father's death into an action-packed story full of heart . . . It's a moving exploration of the ways people can close themselves off to magic in the world, as well as face grief scarier than any frost giant." --Publishers Weekly

"In a vein similar to Percy Jackson, the Imaginary Veterinary books, and even Men in Black, this strong debut is shaping up to be an intriguing series. Shaughnessy seamlessly blends Norse and Russian mythologies with the genres of mystery, fantasy, and adventure all the while hitting upon some deeper personal issues such as loss and self-awareness. The conflict is satisfyingly resolved by story's end, giving it the feel of a stand-alone novel. With the current popularity of Norse characters in pop culture this is not only sure to be an easy sell, but also a book with substance--one to satisfy the cravings of more sophisticated readers looking to sink their teeth into a good folkloric story. A creative, fun mystery that combines a variety of genres and deeper themes." --School Library Journal

"There's pleasure to be found in the fantasy/adventure moments featuring Thor, frost giants, and the head of the FIB, the quirky Mr. Fox (evoking more than a bit of Dr. Who in both his dialogue and his magical tiny shack . . . this planned series certainly has potential."--The Bulletin of the The Center for Children's Books

"This story offers pleasing elements, including an authentic boy- girl friendship, fresh musings on the place of magic in childhood, and original, vividly depicted scenes (check out Mr. Fox's henhouse, a tiny shack with nearly infinite possibilities inside). Shaughnessy's imaginings show promise, and his puzzles and plot twists will absorb and intrigue younger readers, as they consider the book's central questions about truth, magic, and adventure." --Kirkus Reviews

"Shaughnessy's debut will please middle-grade readers already interested in Nordic mythology."--Booklist

About the Author:

Adam Shaughnessy is an author and educator. He received his BA in English from Connecticut College and is currently pursuing his MA in children's literature from Hollins University. Adam lives in Waterford, Connecticut. The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB is his first novel.

About this edition

• Publisher: Algonquin Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1616204982
• ISBN 13: 9781616204983
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 263