Adventure, mystery and history come alive in Fiona Ingram’s middle-grade novel The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in the Chronicles of the Stone series. The novel opens as cousins Justin and Adam embark on a trip to Egypt with their investigative journalist aunt and grandmother, where they inadvertently get mixed up in a complex plot to uncover the truth behind a little-believed myth. Could it be that there is significant truth and meaning behind the so-called myth?
The fast and suspenseful tone fits well for older elementary school readers, and Ingram weaves history lessons into the narrative, comfortably conveying information and context as the story unfolds. As an adult reader, I was intrigued by the story, even as I questioned certain plot points, so I had to remind myself of the intended audience. I tried to read this from the perspective of my own nine year old son, and I know that both the sinister bad guys and the courageous young protagonists will captivate his action-loving literary needs. With lush descriptions of the amazing setting, Egypt herself becomes a central character, rich with a culture and history on full display.
Readers will be transported as they follow Justin and Adam on an adventure marked by danger, beauty, mythology, history, and discovery. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab begins their journey, and as the novel comes to an end, many questions still remain unanswered and ready to be addressed as the series, and Justin and Adam’s adventure, continues.
For more information about the book and some fantastic resources about Egypt, head over to the book’s official site. While you’re there, be sure to check out the giveaway for a T-shirt and copy of the book for your child’s school or local library!
As her oldest child grows, so do Dawn’s reading habits. Her life with a toddler, preschooler and big kid is regularly chronicled on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
I loved reading (and illustrating) this book. What impressed me so much was that Fiona researched so thoroughly. The website is also packed to the gills with facts about Egypt. So not only is it a great adventure story, the website provides a wonderful resources for students who are learning about Egypt.
My 14 year old didn’t read the book but she absolutely loved the website too!
Thanks for those kind words. Lori is so modest she has not said that most of the wonderful designs on the website, especially the magnificent map, were her work. I am very lucky to have had such a talented artist illustrate the book. I am very excited to see what she creates for the next book in the series!
Eager to see Lori’s illustrations, read Fiona’s work and learn about Egypt!
Thanks rita. It was great fun to get involved in this project and I am now getting SO excited about the next book. I get to do the cover this time! Woohoo! What is even more fun is that my son and my nephew are my life models – so they are gradually getting sucked into the process of book creation and are loving every minute. All the other kids are lining up for modelling opportunities!