Race for the Ruby Turtle - Stephen Bramucci

A heartfelt middle grade eco-adventure story full of friendship and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Dan Gemeinhart and Gary D. Schmidt.

Summer is winding down and Jake Rizzi is headed to his great-aunt's cabin in the wet, mossy Oregon backwoods. His parents are going on a "couples retreat" and Jake can't help but wonder if it's him and his ADHD that they need a break from. His great-aunt's off-the-grid lifestyle seems strange, but her stories about a turtle with a ruby-colored shell spark his imagination.

Jake soon learns that the turtle is more than a myth. And thanks to a viral article online, strangers from all over the world have arrived to search for it--including a sinister "park ranger" and towering twins claiming to be zoologists. Jake is sure that finding the turtle will change how people see him and his “attention issues”--but he'll need help.

With villains lurking and mysteries to solve, Jake and his new friend Mia find themselves locked in a race against time. But when things turn dangerous, Jake has to choose what matters most--personal glory or protecting the wonders of nature?

Steve Bramucci is the author of The Danger Gang series, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. He's rowed down the Mekong River in a traditional Vietnamese x'ampan, ventured into the Outback with Aboriginal elders, and spent four months driving a rickety Nissan Patrol through East Africa.

Steve's story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the $10K Trazzler Oasis prize and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with French fry oil was turned into a TV show. He's written for National Geographic Books, Afar, Outside, the Orange County Register Magazine, and dozens of other outlets. He's the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com and is a passionate conservationist. He lives in Southern California with his family.

www.stephenbramucci.com
@stevebram

“A thrilling mystery adventure filled with a deep love of nature; you'll be rooting for Jake and Mia from beginning to end.” —Varian Johnson, award-winning author of TWINS and THE PARKER INHERITANCE

“One of the best eco-adventures you'll ever read. Full of heart and edge-of-your-seat excitement--with a truly original protagonist and a mysterious villain you'll love to hate!” —Matt de la Peña, New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning author

“Readers will keep enthusiastically turning pages to continue this heartfelt adventure about nature conservation.” —School Library Journal

“The author also leaves readers with the priceless insight that 'the only way to protect the
natural world is to love it.'” —Booklist Reviews

“Bramucci packs in teachable moments around digital literacy, mindfulness, and ecological interdependence . . . A wild romp that champions making space for vulnerable creatures and each other.” —Kirkus Reviews