Books with author Maggie Cunningham

11-year-old Jake McMillen wanted, more than anything in the world, to play varsity basketball for the Panthers, just like his late, Grandpa Max. One big problem. While Jake had inherited his grandfather’s love for the game, the McMillen height had passed him by. Not only that, “old people” like his grandmother, kept taking up too much of his precious practice time. He knew she was sick, but being dragged along to her steamy apartment by his mom, had cut into that afternoon’s pick-up game at the Island basketball court. After getting totally humiliated during the game by star player, Quinn Parker, Jake gets a ghostly message that changes his outlook toward his grandmother’s illness and inspires him to pursue his dreams.

Christmas 1964, brings a mysterious visitor to Cynthia's house; a reclusive great-aunt nicknamed, "Crazy Daisy." Is she really crazy or just eccentric? Cynthia and Gus are determined to find out, but a stray ember and a flaming nightgown take the girls on an unexpected trip through time, back to 1914, where compassion and friendship gives new meaning to the spirit of Christmas.

In Red Moon, White Moon, Connell Maxwell realized early on in life that school had a strict hierarchy: the bullies and the bullied. Unfortunately, he was doomed to be a member of the latter group. He always wondered if it was his friends who put him there, but, deep down he had another suspicion, his odd birthmark. It was the one thing he felt caused him the most embarrassment and rejection in the world. He went through great lengths to hide it from others not realizing it was the key to his destiny. Connell was a fifteen year old sophomore at Chamberlain High School. For him and his fellow outcasts of the school’s student population, the mighty Chief’s Head was their safe haven. It was the only place in school where the popular kids would not terrorize their prey because of the fear of being seen there. Little did he know this would also be the place where he would be introduced to another group of exiles: the ones from Horror and Things. Ever vigilant, Connell resisted their theories of his birthmark and his purpose in life. His strenuous code of cynicism left no room for trust, friendships, or patience. However, this new group of misfits, who were shrouded in secrecy, had a plan to convince him to accept his fate. Filled with everyday struggles a young adult faces such as intimidation, acceptance, fear, and love. Red Moon, White Moon follows Connell through a plethora of distress and chaos, leading up to the final climactic realization that may lead him to his own demise.

Magical costumes, disappearing stairs and a spooky attic filled with dusty antiques–what more could two, adventurous, young girls ask for?Best friends, Cynthia and Gus as she prefers to be called, are as "different as bubble gum and broccoli." They are, however, equal in their ability to get into trouble without much effort.In trying to escape the "boring summer" of 1964, the adventurous twelve-year-old girls stumble upon a trunk in Cynthia's attic that has been in her family for three generations.They discover its mystical qualities when they are swept into the trunk and whisked back to 1914, literally into the lives of their twelve-year-old grandmothers, Clara and Bess. The mystery of a missing family locket is revealed. Their quest takes numerous twists and turns, including a life-and-death struggle on a large steamship traveling from England to America.Along with perilous escapades, they make important, sometimes humorous discoveries about their ancestors, and even manage to change history–for the better–along the way.

Magical costumes, disappearing stairs, and a spooky attic filled with dusty antiques–what more could two, adventurous, young girls ask for?Sebastien the Great, a magician whose fiancée, Kathryn, has disappeared through the magic trunk vows revenge. If Cynthia and Gus don't find a missing page from the “Book of Spells,” Cynthia’s family will face financial and personal ruin.Follow this time-traveling duo as they journey back to a 1914 Swiss castle where Eva, Sebastien’s grandmother, gives them clues on where to begin their search. Their journey takes them through miles of tree tunnels, an enchanted garden ruled by a cranky rock monster, and high into the majestic Alps.But the adventure doesn't really start until they get the surprise of their lives and are sent fifty years into the future, have a shocking encounter with another set of best friends, and receive a fresh set of clues that could lead to Kathryn's return. But at what price?

Sinister clowns, stalkers on horseback, mystical forests, and the creepy, crawling curse.A magic trunk sweeps Cynthia, and best friend, Augusta Lee (Gus), back to 1914 where an ill-fated trip to the circus leads to Blackie, a sinister hobo clown. Before they can be forced by Blackie to become permanent clown troupe performers, the girls are rescued by Gabriella, a Gypsy fortune-teller, and are entangled in the theft of her family's treasure. Much to their dismay, Cynthia and Gus appear to be the family's only hope of recovering a precious magic medallion.Traveling unexpectedly forward to 1934, they meet a 'very familiar-looking' cave guide, and are stalked by a stranger on a black horse. Dangers escalate, as they're swept into an underground river, and later, barely avoid becoming 'campfire marshmallows' in a raging forest fire.Friendship, loyalty, and an undeniable sense of adventure, keep this twosome on a never-ending path of danger, suspense, and merriment.

Colorful pirates, SuRana-- a shape-shifting puma, and an old Cajun guide named Mud Bug join Cynthia and Gus as they explore the Curse of the Bayou. The latest quest for the adventurous, twelve-year-old best friends finds them in a Louisiana bayou. There, they search for answers in the disappearance of Cynthia's great-grandfather, Beau Connor, who was on his way down the Mississippi River to sell a flatboat full of produce. With the help of a magic trunk in Cynthia's attic, this time-traveling duo venture back to 1914 New Orleans. The warm welcome and advice from old friend, Gabriella, is small comfort when Mud Bug warns them to stay away from Buzzard Jack LaBuse, the meanest, orneriest pirate this side of the Mississippi, his gang of misfits, Snags, Darby, and Salty Sam, their thieving parrot mascot. A trip to the Connor's Southern Indiana farm reveals a strange connection between Beau and Buzzard Jack, and a family curse that might be responsible for Cynthia's great-grandfather's disappearance. Returning to New Orleans, a harrowing ride on a roller coaster sends them farther back in time to 1844, straight into the clutches of the evil pirate, fighting for their lives. A mysterious treasure and heart-stopping adventure lead to a final confrontation in the girls' mission to save Great Granddaddy Beau.

Cynthia and Gus have solved a lot of mysteries across time, but something is seriously wrong and things are beginning to unravel.Aunt Belle is missing…again! Cynthia’s great-grandfather, Beau, was never found! And now they are wondering if Blackie is still making life miserable for Lilly and Annie? This time, the twelve-year-old girls journey into a strange woods full of frightening creatures and dark secrets in search of answers.From Aunt Belle's cottage to a small village in France, they meet new friends and discover a connection to New Orleans that may lead to the devious source behind these alarming developments. Or bigger trouble."You have to read the series of Cynthia's Attic, it's AMAZING! Thank you soooo much for sharing your gift!" –Your Fan, Aubree "This wonderfully imaginative tale will delight readers. I wish I had a magic attic!" –Laura Schaefer, author of The Teashop Girls "Everyone will love this intriguing story of time travel. It left me wanting more!" –Bobbie Hinman, Author of The Fart Fairy

Netara Blue is a short story about the birth of a blue eyed, spirit maiden, hybrid child that is considered an abomination to the spirits and something that they fear. Blue is bound to inherited the withered land of mercy, a plane of existence between the spirit realm and the lands of the wonderers. Her birth could unite the two worlds and free the wonderers. In order for this to happen, Saurus, a disimalin spirit beast, is assign to protect the birth of this hybrid from the wrath of the spirits.

In Red Moon, White Moon, Connell Maxwell realized early on in life that school had a strict hierarchy: the bullies and the bullied. Unfortunately, he was doomed to be a member of the latter group. He always wondered if it was his friends who put him there, but, deep down he had another suspicion, his odd birthmark. It was the one thing he felt caused him the most embarrassment and rejection in the world. He went through great lengths to hide it from others not realizing it was the key to his destiny. Connell was a fifteen year old sophomore at Chamberlain High School. For him and his fellow outcasts of the school’s student population, the mighty Chief’s Head was their safe haven. It was the only place in school where the popular kids would not terrorize their prey because of the fear of being seen there. Little did he know this would also be the place where he would be introduced to another group of exiles:the ones from Horror and Things. Ever vigilant, Connell resisted their theories of his birthmark and his purpose in life. His strenuous code of cynicism left no room for trust, friendships, or patience. However, this new group of misfits, who were shrouded in secrecy, had a plan to convince him to accept his fate. Filled with every day struggles a young adult faces such as intimidation, acceptance, fear, and love. Red Moon, White Moon follows Connell through a plethora of distress and chaos, leading up to the final climactic realization that may lead him to his own demise.