Books published by publisher Vantage Press

Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s, Paul Siple was an intelligent, self-motivated boy who thrived on learning about the world around him. He was fascinated by the adventures of his hero, world-famous explorer Commander Richard Byrd. After Byrd's successful North Pole expedition in 1926, he set out to become the first person to fly over the South Pole, via the Antarctic. When he announced that one lucky teen explorer would be chosen to accompany him, he caught the attention of Eagle Scout Paul Siple, who met all of the criteria with flying colors. Exhilarated by the challenge and inspired by the opportunity to meet and work with his hero, Paul could not believe his good fortune when he was selected! This fascinating book, by authors Patricia Potter Wilson and Roger Leslie, expertly tells the story of nineteen-year-old Paul Siple's awesome adventures with Commander Byrd. It is a delightful and straightforward narrative for young readers grades five through nine, filled with fun pictures and illustrations, that will long remain in every young reader's imagination and heart.

David Sedaris returns with his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious book. If you've ever laughed your way through David Sedaris's cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you're getting with Calypso. You'd be wrong. When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And life at the Sea Section, as he names the vacation home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it's impossible to take a vacation from yourself. With Calypso, Sedaris sets his formidable powers of observation toward middle age and mortality. Make no mistake: these stories are very, very funny--it's a book that can make you laugh 'til you snort, the way only family can. Sedaris's powers of observation have never been sharper, and his ability to shock readers into laughter unparalleled. But much of the comedy here is born out of that vertiginous moment when your own body betrays you and you realize that the story of your life is made up of more past than future.

In Thaddeus T. and Barnaby, author Kent D. Walsh ("Uncle Kent") delightfully delves into the special inner lives of the animal kingdom. This fun filled adventure story introduces readers to Thaddeus T., a tadpole who has not quite yet grown into a frog. After the disappearance of his father, Thaddeus T. is befriended by a wise and gentle old bullfrog named Barnaby, who helps educate Thaddeus T. as the two make the challenging journey across the pond. Their goal is to reach a secret fishing spot where they can go "fly-fishing." But along the way, they run into a colorful cast of characters who make their journey as eventful as it can be! Filled with fantacy and humor, the story also contains important lessons for every child, including minding your parents, helping others in need even if they are "different," and the importance of making friends.With "Uncle Kent's" easy-to-read text and vividly descriptive illustrations, Thaddeus T. and Barnaby is another reason for parents and children to spend good quality reading time together.

Little Dustin Walsh was having a fun day playing on his parents` living room floor. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and certainly nothing gave any indication of the adventure he was about to enjoy. Then, all of a sudden, Dustin knocked Cody, a skinny, scrawny little mouse, out of his father's reclining chair where Cody had been hiding. Well, imagine Dustin's surprise at this turn of events! Add to that the fact that the little mouse, Cody, seemed so sad. "What could be the matter?" wondered Dustin. And what could he do about it? Dustin and a Mouse Named Cody in "The Mouse That Stirred on the Night Before Christmas," by Kent D. Walsh (affectionately known as "Uncle Kent"), presents an up close and personal look at a very special friendship. Cody, you see, feels like a failure, and that is why he is so sad. He simply wants to do something special, to make his parents proud. When new friend Dustin springs into action to try to help Cody, the fun really begins.Complemented warmly by delightful illustrations, this charming story of helping one's fellow mouse teaches us that no matter how small we are, we all have something great within us. This very special book will provide quality reading time for both, parents and their children.

The Last American Star, by E.B. Fletcher, is a fictionalized tale that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. In fascinating detail, vivid character portrayals, and historical accuracy, it tells the story of an abandoned ocean liner that has beached on one of the Canary Islands during hurricane-forced winds. The ship is, in fact, the former S.S. AMERICA, of the now disband United States Lines Company. When several local boys discover the wreck, they research her history and set off on an adventure that will be entertaining, informative, and filled with valuable lessons in the bargain.