James to the Rescue: The Masterpiece Adventures Book Two (The Masterpiece Adventures, 2) - Softcover

Elise Broach is the New York Times-bestselling author of books for children and young adults, including Desert Crossing, Shakespeare's Secret, Masterpiece, and the Superstition Mountain Mysteries series. Her books have been selected as ALA Notable Books, Junior Library Guild selections, the recipient of an E.B. White Read Aloud Award, and an Edgar Award nominee, among other distinctions. She lives in Connecticut with her family.

Kelly Murphy has illustrated many books for children including Masterpiece, Alex and the Amazing Time Machine, and the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist books. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

“The characters have distinct personalities, the story is well-paced, and the focus on unlikely alliances and mutual trust suffuses the tale with warmth. Full of drama and heart, this is the kind of series that can show newly independent readers the power of a good story.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The possibilities for adventure are endless, and young readers and teachers looking for a quick, satisfying read (and read-aloud) for the early primary grades will enjoy this installment and look forward to many more.” ―The Horn Book

"Broach strikes just the right tone in the dialogue and narrative, giving the beetles distinct personalities and dilemmas but always returning to the interspecies friendship at the heart of the series . . .Wonderful fare for transitional readers."-Booklist

Praise for The Adventures of Marvin and James:
“A winsome series debut . . . a sweet story of cross-species friendship.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Just right for a younger crowd. . . . Despite the simplicity of Broach's pared-down sentences, the story brims with both emotion and moments of quiet wisdom.” ―Publishers Weekly

“New readers will be rewarded for the effort by this page-turning adventure, which is written throughout with emotional authenticity and illustrated with lively pen-and-ink illustrations in a brown and gray palette, ending with a very satisfying conclusion.” ―The Horn Book

“Inventive . . . Broach . . . packs this fast-moving story with perennially seductive themes: hidden lives and secret friendships, miniature worlds lost to disbelievers . . . Broach and Kelly show readers something new.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review on Masterpiece

“Delightful intricacies of beetle life . . . blend seamlessly with the suspenseful caper as well as the sentimental story of a complicated-but-rewarding friendship . . . Murphy's charming pen-and-ink drawings populate the short chapters of this funny, winsome novel.” ―Kirkus Reviews on Masterpiece

“This marvelous story is sure to be a hit.” ―School Library Journal on Masterpiece