
Written by Basil Sylvester · Illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
A non-binary tween embarks on a thrilling quest to uncover a lost novel, facing challenges and unexpected allies along the way.
Zed Watson, a non-binary tween with a passion for monsters, embarks on a thrilling road trip to uncover a long-lost novel, The Monster’s Castle. Joined by their shy neighbor Gabe and his sister Sam, Zed follows cryptic clues across the country. As they navigate quirky challenges, from snack disputes to bossy drivers, they must also outsmart a rival historian. Will Zed and their friends find the treasure and discover the true meaning of belonging? This vibrant adventure explores friendship, identity, and the joy of the journey.
FINALIST FOR THE GOVERNOR GENERAL’S LITERARY AWARDFINALIST FOR THE OLA SILVER BIRCH AWARDThe literary scavenger hunt of a lifetime, starring an endlessly endearing non-binary tweenZed Watson loves a few things: their name (which they chose themself!), their big rambunctious family, and–oh yeah–monsters. When Zed discovered the mystery surrounding an unpublished novel called The Monster’s Castle, they were completely hooked. Now Zed is a member of a small but dedicated legion devoted to finding the long-buried text.When a breakthrough discovery leads Zed to the route that they are sure will take them to the treasure, they know it’s time for a road trip. And with the help of their shy, flora-loving neighbour, Gabe, and his sister, Sam, a geologist who is driving back to college in Arizona, Zed and company are soon off on a wild adventure following cryptic clues.But it’s not all fun and games. Gabe doesn’t like Zed’s snacks, Sam is a bossy driver with total command of the ancient Impreza’s stereo, and Zed is often misgendered. It’s a good thing they also encounter kind strangers, potato-themed dance-offs and lots and lots of ice cream along the way. If Zed and Gabe can combine their strengths, survive Sam’s wrath and best the greedy historian who’s also hot on the book’s trail, they just might find the greatest treasure of all.Co-authored by child-parent duo Basil Sylvester and Kevin Sylvester, this is a vibrant and enormous-hearted story about friendship, identity and belonging. It features illustrations by celebrated author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester, and an Own Voices perspective based on Basil’s experience.
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