As a Youth Services Librarian, I'm always on the lookout for new middle grade fiction. Check out this debut from Luke X. Cunningham that just released this week!

About the Book:

"In this middle-school adventure mystery perfect for puzzle solvers, a young orphan named Leo discovers clues to his past when he finds a series of tunnels below his school. But to unlock the answers, he’ll need every skill and invention he has—even if his inventions don’t always work. A “lifer” at the secluded Academy of Florence, Leo has never met his parents ... or anyone in his family for that matter. His current “family” is his mechanical monkey and robot lion, who along with his charming best friend and fellow lifer, Savvy, only get him into trouble. But after Leo’s latest experiment goes catastrophically wrong, he finds a mysterious clue that opens an underground maze—one that seems to have been created for him to solve. Leo hopes the tunnels will help him discover the identities of his parents and the reason he’s an orphan in the first place. Instead, he finds that his past and possibly even his future is somehow linked to the innovative Wynn Toys company, whose genius president mysteriously disappeared years before. Leo must use his creativity and scientific know-how to revive the toy company, oust its dastardly leader, and discover the fate of his real family."

About the Author:

"Luke X. Cunningham is an Emmy-nominated writer from Philadelphia. Previously, he spent three years as a writer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He developed a passion for the Renaissance while earning a history degree from Brown University. He currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife and their son, Finn. LEO: Inventor Extraordinaire is his first novel. You can connect with him online on Twitter."

Initial Thoughts:
I know several of my patrons are always on the lookout for clean fiction and while it's not always a problem in middle grade fiction, Zonderkidz published titles are usually a safe choice to direct these families to. Though clocking in at 400 pages, there are many fun small illustrations throughout by artist Theresa Chiechi. The Da Vinci style inventions and Renaissance inspirations definitely have a STEM/STEAM connection that hopefully will draw tween readers as well. I'm looking forward to reading LEO: Inventor Extraordinaire! 

Do you have a favorite real life or fictional gadgeteer/inventor?

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via participation with Turn the Page Tour.]

GIVEAWAY:

If this sounds like a book you'd like to read, check out how to purchase a copy or enter our tour giveaway! Three (3) winners will receive a print copy of of Leo: Inventor Extraordinaire. This giveaway ends on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 12am CST. USA residents only. Enter via Rafflecoper here! 

Be sure to check out the rest of the book tour stops as well!