Race for the Ruby Turtle

A heartfelt middle grade eco-adventure, 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 have arrived to search for it – including a sinister animal poacher and two towering Swedes. Jake feels sure that finding the turtle will change how people see him and his “attention issues” but to do that he’ll need help from his new friend, Mia.

When things turn dangerous, Jake has to decide what matters more: Personal glory or protecting the wonders of nature.

Stephen Bramucci is the author of The Danger Gang and the Pirates of Borneo and its sequel, The Danger Gang and the Isle of Feral Beasts. He has written for National Geographic, Afar, Fodors, and dozens of online and print outlets. As a travel and adventure writer, he has explored the Australian outback with the Jawoyn Indigenous people, tracked cheetahs by foot in South Africa, lived with Komodo Dragons on the island of Rinca, and trekked alone into the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Steve is also the founding editor of Uproxx LIFE and the showrunner for Fresh Pair and People’s Party with Talib Kweli. He regularly appears on KTLA, The Young Turks, Foodbeast, and various podcasts, streams, shows, and events