Synopses & Reviews
Growing up in the shadow of his football star brother, Chris, Newt Newman has never felt particularly special. When Chris is knocked into a coma, Newt?s two best friends decide that taking him out for Halloween is the best way to cheer him up. Using some of Chris?s old, oversized clothes, Newt creates his best costume ever?Captain Nobody!
Newt feels so strong and confident in his new getup that he keeps wearing it after Halloween is over. In no time, Newt assumes the role of a hero in a string of exploits that include foiling a robbery and saving a planeload of passengers. But will Captain Nobody be able to save the one person he cares about most?
With Captain Nobody, the acclaimed author of The Big One-Oh, Dean Pitchford, has skillfully crafted a heartfelt blend of action, humor, and family drama.
Review
Praise for NICKEL BAY NICK:
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
“Told with wry humor, this fast-paced novel will appeal to fans of Louis Sachars Holes and Gary D. Schmidts Okay for Now.”
From KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“Theres a real cinematic feel here—Pitchford also writes for the screen and stage . . . . Sams a great, well-realized kid, and readers will root for him every step of the way. A surprising, poignant twist at the end explains Mr. Wells true motives for involving Sam and brings about a satisfying, uplifting finale. Crime does pay off—to the benefit of others—in this enjoyable novel.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Praise for Dean Pitchfords CAPTAIN NOBODY:
From KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“…the humor and compassion are sure to appeal to reluctant readers.”
From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Pitchford builds suspense adeptly . . . the young narrators earnest voice—and his raw sense of helplessness—are real and affecting.”
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
“[Captain Nobody] reads like a summertime feel-good movie. Kids who have longed for their own superhero powers will eat this up.
Synopsis
Newt Newton's two best friends take him out for Halloween to get his mind off his comatose brother. Using some of his brother's old clothes, Newt creates his best costume ever--Captain Nobody. Newt feels so confident in his new getup that he keeps wearing it after Halloween is over, and soon assumes the role of a hero.
Synopsis
Newt Newman's two best friends take him out for Halloween to get his mind off his comatose brother. Using some of his brother's old clothes, Newt creates his best costume ever--Captain Nobody, and soon he assumes the role of a hero.
Synopsis
When Newt Newman's football-star brother, Chris, is knocked into a coma during the biggest game of the season, Newt's two best friends keep his mind off of the accident by helping him create the ultimate Halloween costume: Captain Nobody. Newt feels strong and confident in his new getup, so he keeps wearing it after Halloween is over. Soon Newt assumes the role of a hero in a string of exploits that include foiling a robbery and saving a planeload of passengers. But will Captain Nobody be able to save the one person he cares about most?
Synopsis
Perfect for fans of Jerry Spinelli and Gary D. Schmidt, this heartfelt coming-of-age story will make you believe in the power of second chances.
Eleven-year-old Sam Brattle is already having the worst Christmas ever his dads bakery is going bankrupt and his mom is spending the holidays with her new family. To make things worse, Nickel Bay Nick, the anonymous Good Samaritan who leaves hundred-dollar bills around Nickel Bay at Christmastime, is a no-show, so this year the rest of the town is as miserable as Sam. When he stumbles upon the secret identity of this mysterious do-gooder, Sam is stunned to learn that he might now be his towns only hope. But before he can rescue Nickel Bay, Sam has to learn the skills of a spy and unravel some even darker secrets that will change his life forever.
Synopsis
JUST JAKE introduces readers to sixth-grader Jake, whose life is turned upside down when his family moves from Florida to Maryland, where Jake must adapt to a new school. Jake has always ranked the kids at school in his hand-made, humorous Kid Cards,” and when he arrives at his new school, Jake starts building a new collection, befriending as many people as he can while staying under the radar from the school bully. But what happens when the school bully decides Jake's next in line for annihilation and his Kid Cards get into the wrong hands?!! JUST JAKE is a genuineand as Jake himself would say, AWESOME!world of school, family, friends, and teachers; its the product of a writer talented well beyond his years.
About the Author
Dean Pitchford, author of The Big One-Oh and Captain Nobody, starred on Broadway in Pippin and Godspell before turning to songwriting and screenwriting. His multimillion-selling songs include the Oscar-winning “Fame,” “Footloose,” “Holding Out for a Hero” and “After All.” He has been nominated for four Academy Awards, five Grammys and two Tonys. His stage musical adaptation of Footloose played over 700 performances on Broadway and is now being produced around the world.