Race for the Ruby Turtle

A heartfelt middle grade eco-adventure story full of friendship and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Dan Gemeinhart and Gary D. Schmidt.
Jake Rizzi is about to spend the summer at his great-aunt's cabin in the mossy, sodden Oregon backwoods. His parents seem to need a break from him and his ADHD. He tries not to take it personally, but isn't sure about his aunt's off-the-grid lifestyle and strange stories about a turtle with a ruby-colored shell.
Soon, Jake learns that the turtle is more than a myth. And thanks to a viral article online, strangers from all over the world have arrived to search for it--including a sinister animal poacher and towering twin zoologists from Sweden. Jake is sure that finding the turtle will change how people see him and his "attention issues"--but he'll need help. Setting off with his new friend Mia, Jake must decide what matters more--personal glory? Or protecting the wonders of nature?

Steve Bramucci is the author of The Danger Gang series, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. He's rowed down the Mekong River in a traditional Vietnamese x'ampan, ventured into the Outback with Aboriginal elders, and spent four months driving a rickety Nissan Patrol through East Africa.
Steve's story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the $10K Trazzler Oasis prize and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with French fry oil was turned into a TV show. He's written for National Geographic Books, Afar, Outside, the Orange County Register Magazine, and dozens of other outlets. He's the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com and is a passionate conservationist. He lives in Southern California with his family.
www.stephenbramucci.com
@stevebram