Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom by Nina Varela

“Juniper is a little shy, a little quiet, and a little out of place no matter how hard she tries. 'An excellent heroine in a story that stands out from the middle-grade fantasy crowd.'- Booklist “This bright start to a Greek mythology–inspired fantasy series blazes with intense, vibrant imagery and crackles with lively, humorous character dynamics…moments of levity balance the suspenseful drama of a world facing impending peril and the sensitive exploration of June’s sexuality, anxiety, and loneliness….Vivid and mythical.”- Kirkus Reviews, starred A deeply heartfelt story that shows readers how friendship, bravery, and love can create the best kind of heroes.'- Karen Strong, author of Eden's Everdark

'Nina Varela dazzles in her middle grade debut, mixing magic and mythology with the real world. A fantasy adventure story for all ages, but especially for the misfits! Now go get obsessed with Juniper, too!”- Mark Oshiro, author of The Insiders Her story is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and achingly relatable. 'Juniper Harvey is a heartwarming and hilarious journey across worlds that will prime readers for their own adventures.'- Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series 'Juniper Harvey is a heartwarming and hilarious journey across worlds that will prime readers for their own adventures.' Packed with adventure and driven by a pitch-perfect voice, this middle grade debut from Nina Varela is about one tween forging new friendships, fighting nightmarish monsters, and importantly, figuring out who she is and who she ultimately wishes to be.

And things go from bad to worse when a sinister force starts chasing after the crown too. Now, it’s up to Juniper to help find the crown, all while navigating a helpless crush on her new companion. One problem-her crown is missing, and she needs it in order to return home. The unexpected visitor reveals herself as Galatea, a princess from a magical other world. One night after a disastrous school dance, Juniper draws a portrait of the girl from her dreams and thinks, I wish you were here. The next morning, she wakes up to find the girl in her room…pointing a sword at her throat! As if that's not bad enough, she keeps having dreams about an ancient-looking temple, a terrifying attack, and a mysterious girl who turns into an ivory statue. When Juniper Harvey’s family moves to the middle of nowhere in Florida, her entire life is uprooted. A thrilling fantasy adventure that explores friendship and queer identity, perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Rick Riordan's Trials of Apollo series!

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom by Nina Varela