Books published by publisher Byways

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland.Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.A feud on the fringes drags Zane’s teammates to opposite ends of town. Both sides are convinced that the other is to blame for recent disappearances, but Zane knows better. He’ll have to face a piece of his past in order to haul the real culprit out of danger.Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. In the Middle takes its cues from “The Tar Heel State,” North Carolina.Excerpt:“Shh. Listen for them.”Norlina slowly lifted her hand, and a vivid red creature swam down to nose at her fingertips.“It’s a fish!” whispered Bree, hardly believing her eyes.“They like flowers,” said Norlina.More of the red drums drifted into view, their fins rippling in unseen currents. Some were no bigger than her little finger, but she’d have needed both hands to catch some of the bigger ones.“How can they be swimming in midair?” asked Bree.“Magic.” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland.Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.Excerpt:“There’s our rising star!”The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.Keech added, “Big smile.”Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”“Me?” asked Ganix.“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.Beneath the Torch. Ewan’s and Zane’s teams have reached their shared waypoint, but it’s easy to get lost in a city as big as Beacon. A case of mistaken identity leaves Ewan tongue-tied. An urgent letter sends Jovan rushing through the maze of squares. And Zane is having all kinds of trouble with two little tagalongs.Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Beneath the Torch takes its cues from “The Empire State,” New York.Excerpt:“You.”Ewan offered a weak smile. “Yes, miss?”“You’re not Jovan.” Her surprise shifted into dazzling happiness, and she actually hugged him.“N-no.” Beyond flustered, Ewan cleared his throat. “I do apologize, miss, but do I know you? I’m afraid I don’t remember ….”“Ewan Johns!” she exclaimed.“Yes, I’m Ewan.”“I can’t believe how much you look like Jovan! All you need is a pair of glasses. And maybe a few ruffles.” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #1 in the Byways series introduces the Johns family and sees the brothers to the starting line. Ewan is dependable but shy. Zane has a rebel’s reputation and a lone friend. Ganix has a gift for getting into mischief and enough luck to get back out of it. All three boys have inherited their father’s magic and are Changers with an animal form. But they’ll need more than a magical quirk to reach the finish line. A coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. On Your Marks takes its cues from “The First State,” Delaware. Excerpt: Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. “There they go again,” she said. “What now?” Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. “Boys? What’s the meaning of …!” He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers. “Not in the house!” Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs, tripping him.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.A feud on the fringes drags Zane’s teammates to opposite ends of town. Both sides are convinced that the other is to blame for recent disappearances, but Zane knows better. He’ll have to face a piece of his past in order to haul the real culprit out of danger.Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. In the Middle takes its cues from “The Tar Heel State,” North Carolina.Excerpt: “Shh. Listen for them.”Norlina slowly lifted her hand, and a vivid red creature swam down to nose at her fingertips.“It’s a fish!” whispered Bree, hardly believing her eyes.“They like flowers,” said Norlina.More of the red drums drifted into view, their fins rippling in unseen currents. Some were no bigger than her little finger, but she’d have needed both hands to catch some of the bigger ones.“How can they be swimming in midair?” asked Bree.“Magic.” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.Excerpt: “There’s our rising star!”The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.Keech added, “Big smile.”Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”“Me?” asked Ganix.“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.Excerpt: “There’s our rising star!”The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.“Big smile,” added Keech.Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”“Me?” asked Ganix.“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.Beneath the Torch. Ewan’s and Zane’s teams have reached their shared waypoint, but it’s easy to get lost in a city as big as Beacon. A case of mistaken identity leaves Ewan tongue-tied. An urgent letter sends Jovan rushing through the maze of squares. And Zane is having all kinds of trouble with two little tagalongs.Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Beneath the Torch takes its cues from “The Empire State,” New York.Excerpt: “You.”Ewan offered a weak smile. “Yes, miss?”“You’re not Jovan.” Her surprise shifted into dazzling happiness, and she actually hugged him.“N-no.” Beyond flustered, Ewan cleared his throat. “I do apologize, miss, but do I know you? I’m afraid I don’t remember ….”“Ewan Johns!” she exclaimed.“Yes, I’m Ewan.”“I can’t believe how much you look like Jovan! All you need is a pair of glasses. And maybe a few ruffles.” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Zane follows his nose into the sweet-smelling town of Sugar Hill. He can’t wait to get in on their annual games ... until he finds out what he has to wear. He, Jovan, and Bree are nowhere near their next waypoint, but the Old Man of the Mountain knows a shortcut. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Through the Notches takes its cues from “The Granite State,” New Hampshire. Excerpt: Zane pulled back the curling edge of a faded poster tacked to an old birch. WARNING! For your own safety, stay on the roads. The order was signed by Ranger Wilton Londonderry. But in sloppy painted letters, someone had added extra warnings. “Beware the Red Menace,” read Jovan. Zane’s eyes were shining with excitement as he read the last line. “Phantoms in the Forest!” Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #2, Aboard the Train is Ewan’s first solo adventure. Having chosen the northern route, the eldest Johns brother is bound for Liberty’s mountains. He takes the train, confident that he’ll have a quick, comfortable ride to the finish line. But when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans. The Byways books are a coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Aboard the Train takes its cues from “The Keystone State,” Pennsylvania. “I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa Morton, The Scriblerians Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge. Excerpt: (from Byways Book #2, Aboard the Train, Chapter Three: “Stowaways”) “Who’s there?” Ewan used a stern voice. Had he found another hobo? “Show yourself!” From the straw in the corner, there came a small squeak. Ewan frowned. The noise was too tiny to have come from a grown man. Maybe this wasn’t a hobo after all. He crossed to the pile and pushed aside some of the loose straw. Two pairs of frightened eyes stared up at him. “Children?” he gasped.

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Zane and his best friend Jovan have taken the central route, so their course weaves through Liberty’s Wilds, a territory thick with magic and mythical creatures. They’re traveling with Brielle Trenton, a blacksmith with big plans of her own. Zane’s Track follows the middle Johns brother’s progress. This collection includes Byways Books 3, 6, 9, and 12.Book 3, Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns AdventureBook 6, Into the Hills: A Zane Johns AdventureBook 9, Through the Notches: A Zane Johns AdventureBook 12, In the Middle: A Zane Johns AdventureFull color illustrations by Hannah Christenson throughout. All the Byways Books are linked to one of the fifty states, with people, places, landmarks, icons, and claims to fame hidden throughout the storyline. It’s a game of hide-and-seek that makes learning fun. This collection includes NJ, MA, NH, and NC.

Ewan’s plans fall apart when he stumbles across two stowaways. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #2, Aboard the Train is Ewan’s first solo adventure. Having chosen the northern route, the eldest Johns brother is bound for Liberty’s mountains. He takes the train, confident that he’ll have a quick, comfortable ride to the finish line. But when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans. The Byways books are a coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Aboard the Train takes its cues from “The Keystone State,” Pennsylvania. “I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa Morton, The Scriblerians Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.