Synopses & Reviews
It looked like an ordinary package.
On her twelfth birthday, Jax Malone receives a surprise gift from her great-aunt Juniper: a mysterious locked box that will only open in one location. If Jax's mom hadn't freaked out and tried to return it, Jax wouldn't have paid much attention. She would have assumed it was just another boring present to add to the most boring, un-magical birthday ever.
Instead, Jax decides she must open the box—whatever it takes. So she recruits her reluctant cousin Ethan and together they trick Ethan's obnoxious older brother, Tyler, into helping them find the site where the box will open.
But what starts as a fun adventure quickly turns crazy, even dangerous, when Jax, Ethan, and Tyler discover themselves at the center of a mysterious family legacy—and learn that the box was not intended as a gift, but as a call for help. . . .
Review
“This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages.” Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series
Review
“Never mind the mystery, suspense, and humorwhat I loved most about The Secret Box was getting into the heads of its two unique and delightfully quirky narrators.” Christopher Healy, author of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Review
“Fresh voices make this story a winner. Readers will relish this sparkling adventure, which offers plenty of action, humor, age-appropriate danger and mental calisthenics.” Kirkus Reviews
Review
“This is a promising launch to a planned trilogy. Mixing Greek mythology and mystery with gamer lingo and poignant coming-of-age moments, Ringwald delivers a smart balance of comedy, endearing characters, and high-stakes escapades.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“The first-person narrative alternates among the protagonists: frizzy-haired Jax, the impulsive leader; introverted Ethan, always her sidekick; and his obnoxious video game-making older brother, Tyler. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is real.” Booklist
Review
“This is a great read for reluctant readers or for anyone who loves adventure, mystery, or a touch of magic.” School Library Journal
Synopsis
The Secret Box is a Junior Library Guild selection and the first in an irresistible middle grade series that will delight fans of Dan Gutman, Wendy Mass, and Trenton Lee Stewart.
What starts as a fun quest to open a mysterious birthday present quickly turns crazy and dangerous when Jax and her cousin Ethan discover themselves at the center of a special magical legacy. Soon they realize the secret box was not intended as a gift, but as call for help that they alone can answer.
Readers will love the page-turning mystery, hilarious girl and boy narrators, and clever incorporation of mythology—and lingering questions will leave them eager for more.
About the Author
Before becoming an author, Whitaker Ringwald was certified as World's Greatest Snowball Maker and developed a nonstick peanut butter formula in conjunction with lauded Ig Nobel scientists. Whitaker spends six months of every year in a deep sea submersible trying to film live footage of giant squids. But giant squids are hard to come by, so that's where Whitaker gets a lot of writing done.