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 SchoolExcerpt
In the darkness ahead, strange noises, squeaks like fingers sliding on a steel guitar—times a thousand—cut through a fluttery sound. Beating wings. Crud. Rhonda threw her arms over her head and ducked. “Bats!” Selena screamed. The shrillness ricocheted off the walls and assaulted Rhonda’s ears. “Get down.” Didn’t they know bats moving in a group couldn’t use their natural navigation? “And turn off the flashlight. Curtis tossed the torch down and hunched in front of her. As the sound grew louder, he turned and put his arms around her. Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh. They were under attack by a bat colony and the only thing that mattered was Curtis Vanhouten had his arms around her. Well, not under attack, but close enough. The noise swelled as the bats flew overhead, the vibrations from the thrusting wings bounced off their hunched bodies. When they had passed, Selena whimpered. “Can we get up yet?” Rhonda peeked into the surrounding darkness. “I don’t know.” The sound decreased as the bats flew farther away. “We came from that direction, unless they go out the trap door, how will they get out?” Goodness. What if they went flying through the school? Would the FBI break their pact to stay out if they saw a bat cloud flying past the windows? The peeping sounds grew louder. “They’re coming back. Stay down.” Were they going to wind up crouched on the tunnel floor in waning light from the torch while being dive-bombed by bats all day? The cloud flew overhead and back through the tunnel. The crew waited in case they came back. Rhonda uncovered her head and strained to hear any noise through the silence. Nothing. “I think they’re gone.” Curtis let his arms fall to his sides. Then he reached for the torch and held it up again. She stood. In the dim light she saw Dennis had covered Maddie in the same way Curtis had shielded her. Well, it was nice while it lasted, whatever the reason. Selena clung to James’s arm. “We’re going to follow the bats?” Her voice rose to a squeak. Rhonda put one hand on her hip. “You can always go back to the Dungeon.” “No.” Selena straightened. “I’m going with you.” Curtis faced forward. “Let’s go then.”About the author
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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