Lost Pines:
The Legend of the Leeds Devil
This enchanting tale is a popular children’s book for ages 10 to 14 - and for kids at heart!
Ursula Leeds has always felt like an outsider – at school and even in her own family. But she’s always been okay with not fitting in, though she sometimes feels like an outcast. When a tiny, mysterious, dragon-like creature begins to visit her in her dreams, and her parents disappear after an argument that seems to be about her, she wonders if not fitting in has something to do with it. Enter Miranda, an odd woman who claims she can help the kids find the secret to their parents’ disappearance, and the children and their dog, Bear, go off on an adventure to find them. When the tiny dragon appears to Ursula while she’s wide awake, she finds out that he’s real, and his name is Malachi. As they become close, Ursula sees how Malachi reacts to anger and unkindness, and she discovers her own secret power. Along the way, Ursula and her family grow closer despite their differences, and they learn some surprising secrets about their family history – and they are teased and taunted because of it. But when Ursula learns that sometimes even bullies are suffering deep inside, she unleashes the magical power she has to change hearts, and to maybe even change the world. This beautifully illustrated fairy-tale interpretation of the Jersey Devil legend empowers children to accept and celebrate their individual uniqueness. Although not specifically about bullying, the story does help children understand that bullying often comes from pain, and that they can control their own reaction to it – and maybe even help others as they do. Ultimately, this story is about an extraordinary adventure!
Readers have this to say:
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Love this story! I was intrigued by the legend aspect of this book, and it did not disappoint. It offers a new way to see and understand bullying with a strong lesson on the subject for kids from ages 10 to about 14. It moves smoothly and is highly detailed – but never boring. I plan to read this with my class this year, and I’m sure they’re going to love it and get a lot out of it! - Matt C. Bear, DE
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A CLASSIC from page one! - Anya S. Mt. Laurel, NJ
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A modern-day fairy tale with old-fashioned values. - Dom C. Palmyra, NJ
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MaryBeth Conti captures the attention of her readers and takes them on a fairy-
tale journey to Lost Pines from the very first page to the last. She artfully handles the
topic of bullying and shows how one can overcome being bullied as well as how a
bully must really think and feel. MaryBeth is a master story teller, and I hope there will be
a sequel to LOST PINES. - Karen L. San Antonio, TX
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I ordered this book for my 12-year-old daughter. She has been bullied since we moved to a new school district last spring. Although I have complained, the teasing is so subtle and mean that it seems below the radar for school staff. I can't tell you how painful it can be to see your child treated that way. My daughter came home from school most days stressed, depressed, and feeling hopeless. Words are not enough to express the change this book has inspired in her. Through this book she has come to understand that what mean girls say to her is not a reflection of her -- but of them. The book did not make my daughter feel like a victim either! It made her feel empowered to be the unique, wonderful individual that she is. And Lost Pines is not just a story about bullying; it is really a wonderful adventure for any kid. I've read it once already, and I plan to read it again because I want to go back and visit Lost Pines! Highly recommended! - Debbie, Evesham, NJ
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