Books with author Julie C. Gilbert

All libraries are magical. Some libraries are more magical than others. For Alex Reed, the world is an awkward place and books are her only escape. But when she is selected by a mysterious library to be its new Keeper she discovers that some books are not for the faint-hearted. Now Alex must balance her new adventures through the pages with the incomparable obstacles of being an anxiety-riddled teenager. All this might be completely doable, if only Hank would do as he was told. An incredible adventure is about to begin! Book One of the Secret Library Series

The kidnapping changes everything ... Twelve-year-old Jillian Blairington never thought she was particularly special. She was wrong. She's a Dream Shaper. The scientists responsible for the genetic modifications kidnap her in order to teach Jillian how to use her Gift. But she isn't alone. They also have her babysitter, Danielle Matheson, snatched to keep her in line. They also have a task for her. If Jillian can't master her Gift quickly, Danielle might only be the first victim of many.Interview with the Author:Q: What makes the Devya's Children series special?A: At the heart, this series is about family and friendship as well as the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering. It's been likened to the Orphan Black TV show. I like to think of it as a more family-friendly take on those themes. The premise is that a brilliant scientist and his team created several genetically altered children who have special Gifts, such as telepathy, healing, and dream shaping.The journal/letters style is not unique to this series, but I believe ultimately it suits my need to get in these people's heads. I've worked very hard to fill the books with relatable characters. Some of them happen to have superpowers, but as Jillian points out, everybody has gifts, if not Gifts. It's just a matter of finding out what those gifts are and how they can be applied for the good of the world.Q: What order should I read them in?A: I suggest the traditional order of:- Ashlynn's Dreams- Nadia's Tears- Malia's Miracles- Varick's Quest... before jumping into the prequel--The Dark Side of Science--or the Ashlynn's Dreams Shorts.The prequel and the short stories can certainly be read as standalones, but they may be more enjoyable once the reader's already familiar with some of the characters.Q: Where does this book fit in the series? What theme(s) make it special?A: Ashlynn's Dreams is where it all started. This is definitely the place where you want to jump in and get connected. If I had to pick a few central themes, I'd say kidnapping, family, and genetic engineering.Why kidnapping? Well, it's awful and scary and just plain wrong, but in this case, there's a specific reason the scientists do it.Howdoes family fit in? What makes a family? The truth is that family's a complicated thing. For example, here, Jillian has a mother, a father, a step-father, and much more. It's been fun to explore those connections.Science fiction's all about the what-ifs. We're actually just getting into the advancements in real world genetics where some of these things could be in the near future. That's going to open a whole can of ethical worms.Fiction's a wonderful playground for delving into scientific ethics.Q: Why should readers check out this series?A:Because Devya's Children will introduce you to a charming cast of characters dealing with some big issues. Right or wrong, the children exist, so now what? If you have the power to change the world, should you? What are the personal cost and consequences of shaping the world?These are all questions explored by the series.Q: Can the reader get the whole series at once?A: Readers can grab books 1-3 in a combination.

In November 1909, thousands of factory workers walked off the job to protest the terrible working conditions in New York City factories. Joining the picket lines was dangerous, with thugs and police officers harassing picketers, but the protests stirred action. Many factory owners finally agreed to some of the workers’ demands and improved conditions. But nothing changed for workers at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and those workers would pay a high price for the company's dangerous conditions. In 1911, a devastating fire swept through the Triangle factory, killing 146 workers. In the months following the tragedy, the rights of workers finally gained real traction as the state government formed a safety commission and enacted new safety laws.

India Finch is part-human and part-mermaid. In ocean water, special healing powers awaken in her, allowing her to help the merpeople. However, India longs for greater adventures than healing rashes, so when she hears rumours about Neptune's trident, she decides to search for the powerful tool alongside her mermaid friends. The four friends soon find themselves facing off against dangerous and deadly mer who want Neptune's power for themselves. A low reading level, glossary and discussion questions support struggling and reluctant readers.

India Finch, a part-human/part-mermaid teenager, normally only journeys underwater when she's called upon for her healing abilities. But bored and missing her mer friends, she decides to visit them without being summoned. She soon discovers that without a crisis, life underwater can be just as boring as life on land. To entertain themselves, the mermaids decide to combine all their powers together. This rush of energy creates an enormous tidal wave that threatens human life and puts the merfolk at risk when one of them is photographed. Can India keep the mer from being discovered? A glossary and discussion questions round out this hi-lo book, perfect for reluctant and struggling readers.

In November 1909, thousands of factory workers walked off the job to protest the terrible working conditions in New York City factories. Joining the picket lines was dangerous, with thugs and police officers harassing picketers, but the protests stirred action. Many factory owners finally agreed to some of the workers’ demands and improved conditions. But nothing changed for workers at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and those workers would pay a high price for the company's dangerous conditions. In 1911, a devastating fire swept through the Triangle factory, killing 146 workers. In the months following the tragedy, the rights of workers finally gained real traction as the state government formed a safety commission and enacted new safety laws.

The Collins Case: Working for the FBI certainly isn't a "normal" job, but Special Agent Julie Ann Davidson has never encountered a case as personal as this one. Although not officially assigned to the case, Ann and her partner, Patrick Duncan, take up the cause of finding Rachel, Jason, and Emily Collins. As if that task wasn't enough, Ann and Patrick also have a baffling case of internet thievery to investigate. Who is Christopher Collins and what about his past is endangering his family? Where are Rachel and the kids being held? Where is God in the midst of chaos? Will Ann and Patrick arrive in time or will they find only pain? The Kiverson Case: One man's vendetta could cost them everything ... When a routine arrest turns deadly, FBI Special Agents Julie Ann and Patrick Duncan are drawn into a dangerous game with Kevin Kiverson, a man with little to lose and much to avenge. In her heart, Ann knows they will catch Kevin, but she doesn't know when or how or what sacrifices will be made along the way. She's prepared to risk her life for others but will her resolve hold when the threat turns to her baby boy? The Davidson Case: Somebody wants her sister dead ... FBI Special Agent Ann Duncan knows how to face down danger, but once again, she's not the target. Her baby sister, Joy Davidson, has stumbled upon a conspiracy and made some powerful enemies. Luck and God's grace help Ann save her sister the first time, but she knows the bad guys will try again. With Patrick on a university tour and perhaps the most important case of her career weighing upon her mind, Ann must find the strength, wisdom, and heart to find out who wants her sister dead, what Joy discovered, and how to stop the conspirators. Ann instinctively knows that if she fails the Davidson case will only be the first of many tragedies.

India Finch is caught between two worlds. She's part human and part mermaid. Since discovering her mer abilities, she's often called to the dark waters where she uses her special healing abilities to help the merfolk overcome challenges and tragedies. Some mer, however, don't want India underwater. They carry resentment towards humans who have damaged the oceans and the mer home. Written at a lower reading level, Dark Waters features high drama and fantasy to capture the struggling reader's interest. A glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts provide additional support