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Starred Review "This engrossing thriller weaves issues of civil rights, racial prejudice, the judicial system, and the lessons of history into a suspenseful tale. . . . This novel will resonate with readers long after the final page." --
School Library Journal
"With basketball action, a murder mystery, a compelling story from history, adolescent angst, racial and parental tension, Alphin offers something to please most young readers." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Starting with a death experiences and interspersed with medical dialog one knows from the very beginning that Brian has been shot and may be dying.... An attorney provides a touch of legal thriller to this suspense-filled sports story (with lots of basketball court action) suspense thriller. The Edgar voters will surely be looking at this title and readers will be unable to put it down. -- Genrefluent
"Hitting on issues such as the imperfections inherent in our judicial system, racial profiling, a mind-your-own-business attitude, and the hard decisions we all have to make - Alphin sinks all her three-pointers, hitting the backboards with intrigue, tension and suspense." -- Montana Quarterly
"Alphin (Picture Perfect) scores big with this novel starring the captain of a high school basketball team. The author explores themes of justice and an individual's civic and personal responsibility to see that justice is carried out.... And the author's portrayal of Brian's slow awakening to a sense of personal integrity and responsibility - even at great personal cost - is convincing, and may well get readers thinking." -- Publisher's Weekly
"Interesting characters, themes built on fair play and teamwork, and fast paced action make this novel memorable. The story blends several threads into a seamless narrative, racing to a frantic conclusion that satisfies and achieves the perfect shot." -- Marianas Variety Literary Corner
"With fast paced basketball action, a compelling murder mystery, a little history, teenage angst, and a smattering of racial tension, Alphin has scored the perfect shot with this one." -- Children's Literature
"The interweaving of history, of Brian's determination, and of Julius' confrontation with prejudice make for a compelling look at what it takes to stand up to the larger injustices of the world and why we sometimes don't." -- Kliatt
"In a kind of Talented Mr. Ripley with a brutal back-story and a more moral protagonist, Alphin mines the provocative field of identity, memory, and lies.... Alphin convincingly delineates the ambivalence felt by Neil's siblings, and her portrayal of how Neil's disappearance and reappearance all but destroyed the family dynamic is first-rate.... An engrossing, suspenseful novel that is sure to keep the reader glued to the page." -- Kirkus
"Alphin builds the pressure masterfully.... [Her] treatment of each character's psychological wounds is also impressive... Readers will be enthralled by her suspenseful plot." -- Publisher's Weekly
"Counterfeit Son is a thought-provoking thriller with a premise both terrifying and moving. I found myself haunted by Cameron's situation, and know I will remember Elaine Alphin's daring novel for a good long time." -- Nancy Werlin, Edgar-Award winning author of The Killer's Cousin.
"Although this is not a narrative for the thin-skinned, young adults who have been captivated by stories of serial killers will be riveted by this story of a serial killer's counterfeit son." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books - Recommended Rating
"Alphin has written a highly original novel that is remarkable for its outstanding descriptive narrative and brilliant emotional portrait of a troubled young victim...Having no memory of being treated well, Cameron is confused about whether Hank's abuse or the Lacey's kindness is normal, but he slowly begins to care for Neil's family and to heal. When one of Hank's former associates blackmails Cameron and abducts Neil's younger brother, Stevie, the truth about Cameron's identity comes out in a shocking plot twist that will leave readers thinking about this novel for days." -- VOYA
"Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are a way of life for many children. Alphin offers this all too real picture of children who find themselves in these kinds of relationships and the desperate actions they will take to survive. While the pace of the story, as well as the believability of the characters, will hold the reader's attention, it is the ending that makes this book a stand out. For in contrast to other stories of abuse, which leave the reader distraught at the outcome, this one offers hope." --BWI Wholesalers Inc.
"Many of the interactions between Cameron and his new family are quite moving, especially in the scenes where he expects punishment and finds kindness and love instead... Should surprise readers and leave them well satisfied." -- School Library Journal
"Alphin has done a creditable job of evoking a confused, abused boy's psychological state and his longing to find a real family." -- Booklist
"Alphin takes a leap in her writing, bringing powerful emotions to play... This book is a powerful affirmation of the human spirit, which can endure the worst of horrors and still survive." -- Darcy Pattison, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
"Here's historical material in a chapter book for beginning readers a bit beyond the basic bears and bunnies. Set in Wyoming in the 1880s, the story tells of a young boy whose find of a triceratops skeleton is
sought by competing collectors.... The boy who finds the skeleton is believable in his dreams of scoring big with a dinosaur find, and also in his sense that one grown-up is trying to cheat him because he's only a boy. Budding readers and dinosaur lovers will probably try some backyard excavation afterward." -- Chicago Tribune
"Readers ready for this advanced I Can Read book will have moved on from their preschool obsession and will welcome a story about unexpected discoveries, attempted swindling, and quick-wittedness... Ned is as sharp-witted as he is sharp-eyed, and foils the [rival paleontologist] with a good (and, for the reader, nicely foreshadowed) trick. All ends satisfactorily, to budding paleontologists' minds, with the triceratops skeleton displayed in a museum and with Ned himself launched, perhaps, on an exciting career." -- Horn Book
"Wyoming in the 1880s is the setting for this transitional early chapter book, based partially on historic characters who searched the West for dinosaur fossils.... The combination of dinosaur fossils, horseback riding, and ranch life is unusual and will interest boys especially." -- Kirkus
"When Ned finally does discover the complete skeletal remains of a triceratops, he has some bone hunters hot on his trail - men who will stop at nothing to claim the prize for themselves. A fast-paced, fascinating slice of American history and one of the many titles in HarperCollins' "I Can Read Book" series, Dinosaur Hunter will appeal to newly independent readers and younger listening audiences alike." -- Dallas Morning News
"Alphin gives background information about the noted fossil collectors and paleontologists of the period, who collected, prepared, and preserved the dinosaur skeletons that were coming to light in Wyoming and Montana.... The clearly written story, historical context, western ranch setting, and, of course, the dinosaur connection also contribute to the book's appeal." -- Booklist
"Alphin (Counterfeit Son; Simon Says) again explores the psychological ramifications of physical and emotional abuse in this taut suspense novel.... Unlike the narrator of Counterfeit Son, who gained a true understanding of himself only at the conclusion, Ian's process is gradual, as he slowly recovers his memory, making his story a compelling journey of self-discovery and self-protection." -- Publisher's Weekly
"With its accurate portrayal of teen life and anxieties, Picture Perfect is the perfect mystery novel for middle school readers." -- Fore Word
"Once again, Alphin uses child abuse and the machinations of the mind to create her story.... [T]he setting is perfect and Ian's character is well developed," -- School Library Journal
"Alphin reels out deliciously damning evidence against the emotionally abusive [villain]... Devotees of the psychological potboiler will gulp this right down." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Ian Slater, the principal's son, has many secrets.... Told through Ian's first-person narrative, this psychological thriller has many twists and turns [that] readers will relish." --Booklist
"This story has appealing ingredients for teens - dysfunctional families, psychology, secrets, hidden personalities, mysterious characters.... [R]eaders will be surprised by the eventual truths. This book will keep most teens intrigued." -- VOYA
"Alphin deftly intensifies both the internal and external pressures on Ian... Ranging through time, the novel, told in the first person by an increasingly distraught protagonist, zips along. Disturbing, engrossing, and thought-provoking." --Kirkus
"Out of solid research and a clear regard for Virginia's history and heritage, Ms. Alphin has written a fine novel that provides a sympathetic picture of a troubled, lonely boy." --The New York Times
"With a strong sense of place and a southern sense of time in which past and present sometimes seem to coexist, this is an unusually good first novel." --Booklist
"A haunting fantasy about the Civil War." --Horn Book
"Alphin has skillfully woven together fact, fiction, and emotion....A quick read that's great for historical fiction assignments." --School Library Journal
"An entertaining blend of paranormal, historical, and family themes, with a well-crafted plot that ties up all loose ends in a satisfying conclusion." --School Library Journal
"In this ghost story with a historical bent, Alex Raskin connects with a young Civil War ghost who wants to find out what happened to the family he was unable to protect... Alphin's plot provides an interesting lesson on how historical research occurs, but it is Alex's gradual acceptance of his father's plans and the interesting resolution of the Chamblee mystery that will most please readers." -- Booklist
"Alexander's triple challenge is touching and at times quite funny as he tries to put the brakes on Dad's romance, help Chamblee track down family artifacts in the many local history museums, and appear normal and sane while being verbally badgered by a very insistent and loquacious ghost... There's much charm, though, in the notion of an invisible buddy, and smart, observant Richeson Chamblee is just the ghost kids would want hanging around." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"In a dramatic scene, Alexander rescues Louise from Yankee soldiers and deciphers the [mystery]... Simple vocabulary, sentence structure and plot make this time travel story suitable for upper elementary and middle school... The book will entertain young readers and will give some insight into the American Civil War." -- VOYA
"Sometimes the history is overly explanatory, but the battle scenes, mired in mud with exploding cannons and musket fire, are real enough to make up for it... It is a memorable ghost story nonetheless, and readers will enjoy the supernatural intertwining of modern problems with historical ones." -- Children's Literature
"Through Rich [a young Confederate soldier], Alexander learns a bit about history (this history dwells on the undeniable valor of the Southern troops and the brutality of their Northern opponents...) and a little more about family dynamics.... Alphin (Counterfeit Son, 2000, etc.) handles the moments when Alexander moves into the ghostly world with flair and atmosphere." -- Kirkus
"Alexander was five when he first saw ghosts. His mother told him he had found a 'window through time.' She told him he was special. But then, without warning, she left... Soon after [Alexander and his father arrive in North Carolina], Alexander feels a chill and smells any orangy scent. Why is it happening here? Why now?" --Junior Library Guild
"Alexander is drawn into a new reality where he comes face to face with the haunting past of his soldier friend. But can Alexander help this troubled ghost, and can he, finally, come to terms with his own disturbing past? Ghost story fans and Civil War buffs alike are in for a real treat." --The Children's Book Council
"The childhood game of 'Simon Says' assumes new meaning in this fiercely intelligent novel about two talented teens' struggle to stay true to themselves AND to their art. Elaine
Alphin's challenging novel about the cost of nonconformity is at once heartbreaking and hopeful." -- Michael Cart, Booklist columnist and YALSA Past President
"Award-winning author Elaine Marie Alphin paints a moving portrait of a troubled but talented young artist whose journey to self-expression comes at a very high price. This complex, demanding novel, reminiscent of those by Robert Cormier, challenges readers to think and to explore their true selves, however painful, and to soar beyond the expectations of others to become the person each is destined to be."
"Alphin adds texture by inserting Graeme's journals between Charles's narration, and she brings unusual candor to her portrayal of gay characters... The author taps into adolescent visions of the artist's life and the difficulties of being an individual." -- Publisher's Weekly
"Capturing the inner reality of the artist, Simon Says wrestles with intense themes of identity, homosexuality, and suicide. High school students will find Charles' journey to self-expression thought provoking as he learns to connect with others, and to remain true to himself, regardless of others' expectations." -- Alan Review
"If SIMON SAYS had been a clumsily or a hastily written book, it would still have been well worth reading by high school and college students for the ideas it reveals and questions which it ponders, regarding who we are, how people see us, and how we see people seeing us. The expectation game - how we react to what we think people want, which here is given the name Simon Says - is at the core of this thought-provoking story by Elaine Marie Alphin. But in addition to this book's important and complex theme, it is crafted with the same beauty, lines, luminous colors, and swirling textures with which her main character paints. Indeed, after reading SIMON SAYS, I do not believe that I will be able to look at a piece of art the same way again. Nor will I cease longing to see Charles Weston's sketches and paintings in the flesh... This is one that'll be reverberating in my head for a long time to come." --Richie Partington - Richie's Picks
"Adolescents will relate to the disconnected characters who feel painfully alone and will be encouraged by the acceptance of their uniqueness. -- School Library Journal
"Charles consumes the book, and his teenage angst and fear is palpable.... a significant book, layered, complex, and full of challenge for thoughtful readers." -- Booklist
"Jess seeks to solve one of the most famous murders in history with help from the victims, whose spirits speak to her from the stained glass windows that hold them captive....Readers will find the characterizations subtle and satisfying overall. As in her first novel, The Ghost Cadet, Alphin weaves elements of history and fantasy into an entertaining, modern-day adventure story." --Booklist
"Castle ruins, spirits of the murdered "Princes in the Tower," and a trip to Westminster Abbey are some of the components of this fast-paced story." --Faces
"The deft mixture of adventure, a romantic undercurrent, local politics and development of character adds breadth and depth to this briskly paced, involving story." --School Library Journal
"The story develops logically enough, with evidence of the town's resentment building from small incidents to an overt act of terrorism...The realistic military setting is certain to have great appeal, however, and the briskly paced plot moves quickly." --Booklist
"The story of a mature and thoughtful boy painstakingly winning over friends becomes a suspense novel, with the ninth grader foiling a terrorist plot that threatens his life." --Horn Book
"Alphin sets the stage well for the final showdown, and adroitly handles the climactic scene....A suspenseful, true-to-life coming-of-age story." --Publisher's Weekly
Germ Hunter: A Story About Louis Pasteur: A Creative Minds Biography
"This well-written biography details the interesting and dynamic life of Louis Pasteur in an accurate and inspirational manner. It will encourage young adults to achieve great things throughout life, whether in science or another field... This book is an excellent tool for elementary and middle grade students. [It would be] suitable for an at-home or in-class reading assignment or summer reading." --National Science Teachers Association Recommends
"The explanations of how Pasteur designed and conducted his experiments are clear and impressive examples of how science works." --Science Books and Films
"This novel-like biography recounts Pasteur's life from his childhood as a tanner's son, through his stormy schooling and early work with chemistry, to his monumental discovery that germs are the cause of many kinds of illnesses.... Because Alphin's book looks and reads like a story, it is less intimidating and is a good choice for reluctant readers." -- School Library Journal
Davy Crockett: A History Makers Biography
"Crockett never wore a coonskin cap and wasn't called "Davy" in his lifetime. These media myths, however, would've probably pleased him because he loved telling tall tales about himself. This series offering, using large type and simple language, does a good job of separating the man from the myth." --School Library Journal
"This poignant narrative, told from the child's perspective, is straight-forward and speaks to the heart. This sensitive and compelling title will be welcome in all libraries. --School Library Journal
"Libraries looking for more contemporary stories reflecting other cultures will find this a good choice for young readers, particularly for those who know a little Spanish....A glossary is provided for Spanish words used in the text, although generally their meanings are clear from the context." --Booklist
"Maria makes a brave decision to help her family and a young boy [who has been injured by soldiers.] The author's note puts the story in historical context, and watercolors provide information about the setting and culture." -- Horn Book
Vacuum Cleaners, Irons, Toasters and Telephones
"Alphin gives readers a history of cleaning, starting with the broom and leading to the many attempts at creating a useful, modern floor cleaner. The historical information is interesting, especially when supplemented with the archival photos and sidebars of additional facts." --Horn Book
"Who would have thought that the toaster would ever achieve status as a cultural icon? Yet, in four short and snappy chapters, Alphin and the Household History series continue to prove that even the most mundane appliance is worthy of serious study....Alphin's description of the development of the modern toaster, accompanied by plentiful photographs and illustrations of early models, is both comprehensive and fascinating." --Kirkus
"With full-color photographs and reproductions, useful diagrams and drawings, and lively texts, these titles heighten interest in and understanding about familiar items." -- School Library Journal
Creating Characters Kids Will Love
"Here's a no-nonsense, straight-forward, take-no-prisoners book on creating interesting and believable characters when writing for children. It has everything the beginning writer needs to know. I shall be recommending it to my own writing students." -Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon, The Devil's Arithmetic, Touch Magic and 200 other books. She can be visited at: www.janeyolen.com
"Elaine Marie Alphin has done a favor for all would-be authors for children, using examples from her own experience as a published author and teacher. Her 221 pages are packed full of careful advice and easy-to-follow writing exercises, along with lists of classic authors to read and study. Her seventeen chapters lay out Alphin's principles in language all can relate to and understand well. This book is a joy to read, even before you start writing your own novel or short story for children." -- Hutton Book Review Services
"We always tell beginning writers that our "characters need to come to life." But seldom do I see writers who give nearly enough thought to motivation and believability, yet Elaine tackled that very thing on the second page of her first chapter! This is not a "quick read" to rush through and put on the shelf. The "Try It Yourself" exercises interspersed in the text give you a chance to put into practice the techniques you just read about. And Elaine's "Read the Pros" sections pinpoint published children's books that illustrate the point she's making. " -Kristi Holl, Web Editor for The Institute of Children's Literature web site.
"Following just a few of the many "Try It Yourself" exercises will help writers get to know their characters inside and out. I started recalling events from my own school days I'm not so sure I wanted to remember-- the pain of youth! As a nonfiction writer, I found the tips on research and interviewing especially helpful, as well as learning new ways to bring historical subjects to life through characterization techniques." - Brandon Marie Miller, author of Buffalo Gals, Dressed for the Occasion, and Just What the Doctor Ordered.
"Much more than a book on how to craft characters...This amazingly complex book is made user friendly by Alphin's skill as a writer and ability as a teacher. Buy a new highlighter; you'll need it. As a bonus, accomplished writers may find Creating Characters Kids Will Love a useful resource in crafting speeches and drawing up lesson plans for classes. This is not a writing book for your shelf. You'll want it on your desk to refer to every day." -Audrey B. Baird, Editor, Once Upon A Time.
