The Sign of the Cat - Tapa dura

Winner of the Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature
A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
A VOYA Best Fantasy Book of the Year

"Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An engaging story of friendship, high seas adventure, and bravery with themes echoing Harry Potter, Treasure Island, and the Warrior cats."--VOYA, starred review

"With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content." --Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA, School Library Journal

"While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both." --Booklist

"This exciting tale, with just a touch of fantasy and humor, is a winner. . . . Jonell displays pitch-perfect skills in an expertly crafted story that never flags and that includes plenty of heart-stopping situations to keep readers fully engaged." --School Library Journal, starred review on The Secret of Zoom

"Plenty of quirky imagination, off-kilter energy, and looping thrills." --Booklist on The Secret of Zoom

"Eccentric and entertaining." --Kirkus Reviews on The Secret of Zoom

Talking cats, a missing princess, swordfights with villains, and secret identities combine in this epic tale of bravery and self-discovery on the high seas.

Duncan is very smart. He also has a most unusual gift. So why does his mother encourage him to be perfectly average and insist he only get mediocre grades? His special talent is the ability to talk to cats-but Duncan longs more than anything for academic success. When Duncan rebels and gets a perfect test score, people start taking notice of him. And it turns out that some of those people may not have the best intentions . . . not by a long shot.