Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom (Juniper Harvey #1)
A thrilling fantasy adventure from acclaimed author Nina Varela that explores friendship and queer identity, perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Rick Riordan's Trials of Apollo series!
When Juniper Harvey’s family moves to the middle of nowhere in Florida, her entire life is uprooted. As if that's not bad enough, she keeps having dreams about an ancient-looking temple, a terrifying attack, and a mysterious girl who turns into an ivory statue. One night after a disastrous school dance, Juniper draws a portrait of the girl from her dreams and thinks, I wish you were here. The next morning, she wakes up to find the girl in her room…pointing a sword at her throat!
The unexpected visitor reveals herself as Galatea, a princess from a magical other world. One problem—her crown is missing, and she needs it in order to return home. Now, it’s up to Juniper to help find the crown, all while navigating a helpless crush on her new companion. And things go from bad to worse when a sinister force starts chasing after the crown too.
Packed with adventure and driven by a pitch-perfect voice, this middle grade debut from Nina Varela is about one tween forging new friendships, fighting nightmarish monsters, and importantly, figuring out who she is and who she ultimately wishes to be.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR JUNIPER HARVEY
“This bright start to a Greek mythology–inspired fantasy series blazes with intense, vibrant imagery and crackles with lively, humorous character dynamics. […] These moments of levity balance the suspenseful drama of a world facing impending peril and the sensitive exploration of June’s sexuality, anxiety, and loneliness. The worldbuilding happens seamlessly through dialogue and as part of the unfolding conflict. Secondary and background characters reflect diversity in the world around June. The cliffhanger ending begs for more adventures. Vivid and mythical.” —Kirkus Starred Review
“In her middle-grade debut, Varela offers an excellent heroine in a story that stands out from the middle-grade fantasy crowd.” —Booklist
"Juniper Harvey is a heartwarming and hilarious journey across worlds that will prime readers for their own adventures.” —Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series
“I am OBSESSED with Juniper. Her story is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and achingly relatable. A fantasy adventure story for all ages, but especially for the misfits! Now go get obsessed with Juniper, too!” —Mark Oshiro, author of The Insiders
"Nina Varela dazzles in her middle grade debut, mixing magic and mythology with the real world. A deeply heartfelt story that shows readers how friendship, bravery, and love can create the best kind of heroes.” —Karen Strong, author of Eden's Everdark
“Juniper is a little shy, a little quiet, and a little out of place no matter how hard she tries. That all changes when a princess wakes her up at swordpoint, demanding to know how to get home. Along with some newfound friends, Juniper and Princess Galatea race to figure out a prophecy that could save or destroy Galatea’s home. Full of magic and monsters, a daring quest, and troublesome gods, this book is exciting! In the face of danger, Juniper discovers bravery, wisdom, and the magic of friendship. Funny and tender, with a touch of romance, this is a delightful book.” —Gibson's Bookstore
Character art by @Gibb_Arts