Rapid City Journal 2005

The self-published trilogy phenomenon “The Land of Elyon” is now being released by Scholastic beginning with the book “The Dark Hills Divide.”Released by author Patrick Carman in 2003, the books sold more than 5,000 copies in the Northwest in three months. Total sales surpassed 10,000.Carman created the tales for his 7- and 9-year-old daughters, telling them the story of a young girl who discovers a plot to ruin the Land of Elyon.The next two books will bereleased in the fall of 2005 and the summer of 2006.”The Dark Hills Divide” is written for ages 9 to 12 and costs $11.95.n Scholastic has published two new books tied to upcoming Warner Bros. family comedy “Racing Stripes” set for release on Jan. 14.”Racing Stripes Novelization” by David Schmidt and “Scholastic Reader: Racing Stripes” by Tracey West tell the tale of the baby zebra who grows up believing he is a horse. When he longs to race the thoroughbreds at the track, he discovers his secret. Despite the fact he is a zebra, Stripes must dig deep and prove that he is as fast and talented as the horses.Although it may seem like a goofy tale to adults, all three of my daughters loved the books.The novelization is for ages 7 to 10 and costs $4.99. The Scholastic Reader is for ages 4 to 8 and costs $3.99.n For those little ones, “Sweet, Sweet Baby!” a cloth book specifically for African American babies is new this month.The book is illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Javaka Steptoe.The book is for ages up to 3 and costs $12.95.n Based on The WB’s television series of the same name, “One Tree Hills: Novelization No. 1: The Beginning,” takes readers into the back story of their favorite characters. The TV series is now in its second season.The book is for ages 12 and older and costs $6.99.n In a coming-of-age story that has been called loving and thoughtful, author Virginia Hamilton releases “Time Pieces.”The story follows the life of 11-year-old Valena as she struggles with racism in her daily life. “Time Pieces” is for ages 9 to 12 and costs $4.99.n In “My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir,” author Samantha Abeel tells of her struggle with a learning disability while growing up. Eventually, Abeel recognizes that her struggle made her stronger.Scholastic releases the memoir in paperback this month. Written for ages 12 and older, the book costs $5.99.For more information about Scholastic books for kids, log onto www.scholastic.com.Contact Lynn Taylor Rick at 394-8414 or lynn.taylorrick@rapidcityjournal.com.