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"A compulsive middle grade thriller." -- Book Riot
The email arrives Sunday night: Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.
On Monday morning, seventh graders Owen, Gemma, Ally, and Todd, who have nothing in common and barely know each other, must work together and follow the instructions of an anonymous blackmailer. None of them want to go along with the blackmailer's strange instructions, but each of them have a secret they must protect at all costs.
Set during a single day of school, the students race against the clock to complete a unsettling list of tasks. They'll do whatever it takes to keep their secrets hidden . . . but when they discover what the blackmailer has in mind, they realize things may have just gone too far. Can they put a stop to the plan, or is it too late?
Daphne Benedis-Grab is the author of the middle-grade thrillers I Know Your Secret and I Know You’re Lying. She is the part-time school librarian at PS 32 in Brooklyn, where she gets to hang out with kids and books all day (she is a very lucky person!). She lives in New York City with her husband, two teens, and a cat who has been known to sit on her computer if he feels she has been typing too long. Visit her at daphnebg.com
Praise for I Know Your Secret:
“[A] compulsive middle grade thriller.” – Book Riot
"The twists and turns offer thrills... An entertaining story." —Kirkus Reviews
“This enjoyable middle grade thriller tackles bullying, environments in which it is allowed to propagate, and the importance of speaking truth to power.” – Publishers Weekly
“A middle-grade tour de force. An exploration of why we conceal the truth, I Know Your Secret forces four children to come to terms with the secrets they have hidden from everyone.” – The Nerd Daily
“If you wished you had a middle-grade counterpart to a Karen McManus or Pretty Little Liars novel, you should definitely pick up this twisty and compelling novel.” – The Young Folks
“Unique … A well done young adult mystery novel in the same vein as Lois Duncan and R.L. Stine – just creepy enough to entertain and short enough to keep the reader engaged.” – This Bliss Life
Praise for Army Brats:
"Filled with fierce female characters and strong sibling bonds, both blood and adopted (Rosie was adopted from China at age three), this celebration of family from Benedis-Grab will speak to military and civilian readers alike." —Publishers Weekly
"In the end, humorous misunderstandings become clear, and everyone learns important lessons about bravery and being true to oneself... There are not many books featuring military families, and this deserves a place on library shelves." —Booklist
Praise for The Angel Tree:
"Full of the type of warmth and good cheer found in favorite holiday movies... Benedis-Grab's lively tale spotlights the time honored tradition-and can-do citizens-that make a small town great, even in the face of financial struggle... As the kids puzzle through clues, they discover things that bring them closer to their families, neighbors, and each other-all in time for a satisfying, celebratory reveal." —Publishers Weekly
"This quick tale of generosity is as warm and simple as a Christmas postcard." —Kirkus Reviews
"A satisfying read on many levels-misunderstandings are resolved, lessons are learned, friendships evolve, and positive behavior is rewarded. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy." —School Library Journal
Praise for Army Brats:
"Filled with fierce female characters and strong sibling bonds, both blood and adopted (Rosie was adopted from China at age three), this celebration of family from Benedis-Grab will speak to military and civilian readers alike." - Publishers Weekly
"In the end, humorous misunderstandings become clear, and everyone learns important lessons about bravery and being true to oneself... There are not many books featuring military families, and this deserves a place on library shelves." - Booklist
"The mystery is exciting, containing just the right amount of tension and scary situations, [but] it's the relationship among the children that gives the story life. Nonmilitary kids should enjoy seeing the challenges and fun of living on base." - Kirkus Reviews
Praise for The Angel Tree:
"Full of the type of warmth and good cheer found in favorite holiday movies... Benedis-Grab's lively tale spotlights the time honored tradition-and can-do citizens-that make a small town great, even in the face of financial struggle... As the kids puzzle through clues, they discover things that bring them closer to their families, neighbors, and each other-all in time for a satisfying, celebratory reveal." - Publishers Weekly
"The Rockwellian-with-issues setting enhances the cozy small-town feel... this is a pleasant story in which kids learn life lessons from one another. Part mystery and part holiday high jinks, this will be a little gift to readers who enjoyed Dean Pitchford's Nickel Bay Nick (2013)." - Booklist
"This quick tale of generosity is as warm and simple as a Christmas postcard." - Kirkus Reviews
"A satisfying read on many levels-misunderstandings are resolved, lessons are learned, friendships evolve, and positive behavior is rewarded. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy." - School Library Journal