Duncan is a perfectly average boy growing up in a fishing village. The problem is that his mother encourages him to be perfectly average: she praises him for getting mediocre grades and encourages him to avoid extra attention. His one special talent is the ability to talk to cats-but Duncan longs more than anything for academic success. He chafes at his mother's rules as much as he chafes against wearing the hat she forces him to wear to cover up his distinctive red hair.
When Duncan rebels and succeeds on a standardized test, however, people start taking notice of this boy. And it turns out that some of those people may not have the best intentions
With echoes of Peter Pan and the Warriors series, Lynne Jonell tells an epic tale of bravery, adventure, and self-discovery as Duncan learns to embrace his true identity.
Industry Reviews
Praise for "The Secret of Zoom" Praise for "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat" With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content.--Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA "School Library Journal " Winner of the Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's LiteratureA Bank Street College Best Book of the YearA VOYA Best Fantasy Book of the Year"Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review"An engaging story of friendship, high seas adventure, and bravery with themes echoing Harry Potter, Treasure Island, and the Warrior cats."--VOYA, starred review"With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content." --Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA, School Library Journal"While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both." --Booklist"This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged." --School Library Journal, starred review on The Secret of Zoom"Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills." --Booklist on The Secret of Zoom"Eccentric and entertaining." --Kirkus Reviews on The Secret of Zoom A Bank Street College Best Book of the YearA VOYA Best Fantasy Book of the Year"Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review"An engaging story of friendship, high seas adventure, and bravery with themes echoing Harry Potter, Treasure Island, and the Warrior cats."--VOYA, starred review"With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content." --Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA, School Library Journal"While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both." --Booklist"This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged." --School Library Journal, starred review on The Secret of Zoom"Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills." --Booklist on The Secret of Zoom"Eccentric and entertaining." --Kirkus Reviews on The Secret of Zoom A Bank Street College Best Book of the YearA VOYA Best Fantasy Book of the Year Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure. "Kirkus Reviews"," "starred review"""An engaging story of friendship, high seas adventure, and bravery with themes echoing Harry Potter, Treasure Island, and the Warrior cats." VOYA," "starred review With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content. Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA, "School Library Journal" While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both. "Booklist" This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged. "School Library Journal, starred review on The Secret of Zoom" Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills. "Booklist on The Secret of Zoom" Eccentric and entertaining. "Kirkus Reviews on The Secret of Zoom"" A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure. "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW" With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content. Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA, "School Library Journal" While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both. "Booklist" This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged. "School Library Journal, starred review on The Secret of Zoom" Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills. "Booklist on The Secret of Zoom" Eccentric and entertaining. "Kirkus Reviews on The Secret of Zoom"" Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure. "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW" With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content. Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA, "School Library Journal" While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both. "Booklist" This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged. "School Library Journal, starred review on The Secret of Zoom" Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills. "Booklist on The Secret of Zoom" Eccentric and entertaining. "Kirkus Reviews on The Secret of Zoom"" Praise for "The Secret of Zoom" * "This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged." --"School Library Journal," starred review "Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills." --"Booklist" "Eccentric and entertaining." --"Kirkus Reviews" Praise for "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat" * "A droll fantasy with an old-fashioned sweep and a positively cinematic cast." --"Publishers Weekly," starred review * "A mystery is cleverly woven into this fun and, at times, hilarious caper, and children are likely to find themselves laughing out loud . . . A delightful read." --"School Library Journal," starred review Praise for "The Secret of Zoom" * "This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged." --"School Library Journal", starred review"Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills." --"Booklist""Eccentric and entertaining." --"Kirkus Reviews"Praise for "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat" * "A droll fantasy with an old-fashioned sweep and a positively cinematic cast." --"Publishers Weekly", starred review* "A mystery is cleverly woven into this fun and, at times, hilarious caper, and children are likely to find themselves laughing out loud . . . A delightful read." --"School Library Journal", starred review
