Books published by publisher FiresideBooks

For Eugene Appleton, the summer of 1876 in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado, promises to be just as sleepy as the ones before, his only excitement provided by the pulse-pounding dead-eye Dan adventure novels he devours. But Eugene's life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Tumbleweed Thompson, a gangly, red-haired boy who spins yarns about whaling voyages in the Atlantic and hidden stashes of gunpowder. Drawn into Tumbleweed's orbit, Eugene soon finds himself chasing smugglers, firing rifles, and competing for the attention of the lovely Charlotte Scoggins. The pair's innocent mischief takes a serious turn when they stumble across a sinister plot hatched by the infamous Clean Shave Gang. Soon, Eugene and Tumbleweed are smack inside the middle of a twisty plot lifted from the pages of a dead-eye Dan book. They've learned a lot from each other's friendship. But will it be enough to thwart the Clean Shave Gang's plans? The debut novel from Glenn McCarty The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson is a wild and woolly tale that's classic Americana for a new generation.

For Eugene Appleton, the summer of 1876 in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado promises to be just as sleepy as the ones before, his only excitement provided by the pulse-pounding Dead-Eye Dan adventure novels he devours. But Eugene s life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Tumbleweed Thompson, a gangly, red-haired boy who spins yarns about whaling voyages in the Atlantic and hidden stashes of gunpowder. Drawn into Tumbleweed s orbit, Eugene soon finds himself chasing smugglers, firing rifles, and competing for the attention of the lovely Charlotte Scoggins. The pair s innocent mischief takes a serious turn when they stumble across a sinister plot hatched by the infamous Clean Shave Gang. Soon, Eugene and Tumbleweed are smack inside the middle of a twisty plot lifted from the pages of a Dead-Eye Dan book. They ve learned a lot from each other s friendship. But will it be enough to thwart the Clean Shave Gang s plans? The debut novel from Glenn McCarty, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson is a wild and woolly tale that s classic Americana for a new generation.

In this companion collection to The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, readers will travel back to the town of Rattlesnake Junction to encounter ... A silver mine guarded by a mysterious Man in Black! ... The famous herd of Chester Willoughby's Miracle Cows! ... The deadly super-skeeters of Kingman Hill! ... and an unflappable school teacher and her prank-filled first day on the job! ... PLUS a bonus story, Dead-Eye Dan and the Laramie Seven. These are the legends that built a town. These are Junction Tales.

Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard, Boom Boom Gefferion, Mario Lemeiux, Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretsky are familiar names to hockey fans, but mention Rudi Ball and you will get a quizzical look from people. Rudi Ball was a German Jew, who, thanks to hockey and the loyalty exhibited by his team-mates, was able to survive the Holocaust for one simple reason. He played that most beautiful of all games – hockey. Few people recognize the name, but he was the premiere European player of his time, and one of the best hockey players to ever lace up skates. Yet, his prowess on the ice was more than a way to exhibit his athletic abilities. It was his ticket to survival in a country where being Jewish was a death sentence in the 1930’s and 1940’s. His remarkable story is a testament to the power of hockey to bring out the very best in people. The Summit Series between Canada and the then USSR (Russia) proved in 1972 that hockey is not just a game, it is a war on ice, but when the war is over, the victors do not subjugate the losers. Rather, they line up and shake hands in recognition of a warriors’ code that instils mutual respect and admiration for one another’s drive, desire and determination. This is the story of one of those warriors, and how his fellow warriors stood by him, refusing to bow to tyranny.

For Horace the rabbit and Oscar the giraffe, life in Baby Henry's nursery is predictable and routine. And that’s just how Oscar likes it. But when opportunity knocks - and Horace nudges - the two friends must summon the courage for a Thrilling Adventure which will take them out of the nursery on a Daring Quest to reach the lake across the lane! Praise for Horace and Oscar Visit the Lake: "A story about courage and friendship that shines with warmth and humor. A fantastic tale for families!"-S.D. Smith, Author, The Green Ember series“McCarty's Horace and Oscar combines the whimsy and grown-up narration of A.A. Milne with the earnest goodness of Else Holmelund Minarik's Little Bear. It's fun to read aloud, and fun to listen to.” - James Witmer, Managing Editor, Story Warren

For Eugene Appleton, the summer of 1876 in Rattlesnake Junction, Colorado promises to be just as sleepy as the ones before, his only excitement provided by the pulse-pounding Dead-Eye Dan adventure novels he devours. But Eugene s life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Tumbleweed Thompson, a gangly, red-haired boy who spins yarns about whaling voyages in the Atlantic and hidden stashes of gunpowder. Drawn into Tumbleweed s orbit, Eugene soon finds himself chasing smugglers, firing rifles, and competing for the attention of the lovely Charlotte Scoggins. The pair s innocent mischief takes a serious turn when they stumble across a sinister plot hatched by the infamous Clean Shave Gang. Soon, Eugene and Tumbleweed are smack inside the middle of a twisty plot lifted from the pages of a Dead-Eye Dan book. They ve learned a lot from each other s friendship. But will it be enough to thwart the Clean Shave Gang s plans? The debut novel from Glenn McCarty, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson is a wild and woolly tale that s classic Americana for a new generation.

"Song of the Jackalope" draws on the image of a legendary animal whose history as a myth is not fully known. By one account, the first white man who claimed to see a jackalope was an old western trapper. As the legend grew, there were stories of cowboys hearing humanlike voices singing to them from lonely hillsides or prairies at night. The melodies, it was said, were those of the jackalope, a creature of remarkable vocal abilities and very fleet of foot. Now the legendary "critter" comes alive in an unusual book that is written as juvenile fiction, but offers adult appreciation as well. Its setting is in the picturesque landscape of the southwest; there are 76 hand drawn illustrations that bring the scenes and characters to life. The story itself centers on a handicapped young jackalope named Molly who undergoes a series of surprising and revealing adventures. Possessed of a gifted singing voice, she is befriended by Grandal, a shadowy old jack rabbit of mystical origin. Other characters of interest enter the plot, and Molly finds herself increasingly challenged by unusual circumstances, moving to a finale which is unexpected but uplifting in emotion and spirit. Decidedly alegorical, there are some humorous episodes and character traits that most people will recognize. Fifth grade to adult.