7th Grade Revolution by Liana Gardner
WHEN UNEARTHING A NATIONAL TREASURE BECOMES A NATIONAL INCIDENT
Dennis Alexander: Washington Academy Middle School promises to be another in the long line of boring schools he has been expelled from.
Rhonda Snodgrass: Although trained from childhood in survival tactics, she tries to stay off the radar of the "cool" kids who think she's weird.
7th grade turns out to be anything but normal when teachers announce the students' bloodless revolution succeeded and they are now in charge. After conducting a secret-ballot vote on policy, the 7th graders emerge to find the school evacuated and the FBI lurking outside with the task of unearthing a treasure of national importance.
The students' mission is clear-discover the treasure before the FBI locks down the building. Dennis and Rhonda lead the revolt and must work together to follow century-old clues left by a crazy Revolutionary War buff.
To stay one step ahead of the FBI, they must delve into history and amass an arsenal to defend their school … because this is WAR!
Praise for 7th Grade Revolution
"… a thrilling and engrossing ride through past and present based on real events in North Carolina. Trust me, you won't want to put it down." ~Tracy Riva, Midwest Book Review
"… a stunning new Middle Grade novel that is part historical fiction, part action adventure mystery, and all around fun. Featuring a cast of wacky, interesting kids I was hooked on page one and enjoyed every twist and turn of the creative plot. Gardner is a writer to watch." ~Dan Elish, Award-Winning Author of BORN TOO SHORT: The Confessions of an Eighth-Grade Basket Case
"… an exciting, smartly written book filled with adventure, intrigue, and history in a modern school setting. Luke Spooner's accompanying art is simply spot on." ~Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author of Little Dead Red
"… the book held me captive from beginning to end. You captured the middle school mind perfectly, showing their insecurities as well as the amazing strength that is just below the surface. Bravo!" ~ Karen Rectanus, Exploris Middle School
Excerpt:
Now came the scary part. She closed her eyes and pushed off with her feet. The rock she clung to dug at her hands, but she held fast. Her stomach plummeted when nothing but air supported her feet. She scrunched her eyelids tighter. Probably not the best way to find a foothold, but if she looked now, she'd fall before she even got started.
Bam.
Her body slammed into the wall. She kicked her feet in a bicycle motion. She probably looked like a goof, but she didn't care.
She sighed when her foot found purchase on the side. But now she'd have to move her hands. Might be impossible to do with her eyes closed.
"C'mon, Rhonda. You can do it."
She nearly lost her grip. Spencer? Spencer Jackson had just encouraged her? One eye popped open. Was that a handhold? Her lid fluttered as she forced the other eye open.
It was. And it was a handhold within her reach. She took a deep breath, said a quick, "Oh Lordy," under her breath and stretched her arm out. Her fingers locked on the rock. Ooh. A good place for her foot. She moved it and shifted her weight to the left.
The crew on the shore clapped. Rhonda flushed. She wasn't used to having her classmates encourage her. Especially in athletic things. That she felt more secure after she moved than she had hanging on for dear life surprised her. Crossing the inlet might not be too bad.
Curtis didn't waste any time. As soon as she had shifted to the left and let go of the original rock, he grabbed it, ready to go. It made her feel better knowing he'd be close to her in case something bad happened.
"I'm going to stay right beside you, but a little lower so I can help boost you if you need help."
She hoped she didn't need the help. But she did feel better knowing she was tied to both boys.
Every time she shifted closer to Dennis, he shifted closer to the other shore, and Curtis moved closer to her. She smirked. They played a game of chase in slow motion.
Goodness, she was glad the FBI weren't chasing them through here. She'd have to throw her hands up and surrender on the spot.
Dennis continued to call out encouragement to her. Her confidence built with each successful move. Right before she reached the halfway point, Dennis jumped down on the other shore.
"Okay, next person up." Dennis called to the others waiting. Selena grabbed the rock before anyone else.
Whoops. Rhonda got lightheaded when she turned to watch Selena start. She exhaled. No more looking back. Keep your eye on the goal. Exactly what her dad always told her.
She passed the halfway mark when the hand-and-footholds dried up. Dennis made it across, but his arms were longer than hers.
"Can you reach the rock to the left and up a bit?"
At least Curtis realized her problem.
I don't know. It looks kinda far for me."
"I think it's your best choice. And it looks easier after that."
Yeah, but what if she couldn't reach it? But then again, she couldn't stay in the middle of the wall for the rest of her life. Ultimately, her fingers and toes would give out. "I'll try."
Rhonda stretched her arm up and strained her fingers. Not quite. She pushed up on her toes
…
And missed.
Author Liana Gardner
Liana Gardner is the two-time teen choice award-winning author of the Misfit McCabe series. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana Gardner combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Born in Seattle, WA and raised in southern California, Liana is definitely a west coast girl, but loves to travel.
She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits.
Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people "think globally and earn locally."
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