The Song of the Bees

After his older brother is arrested, James is sent away from Chicago to rural Wisconsin to live with a grandmother he barely remembers—a reclusive old lady who keeps bees, studies the marsh, and fills her cabin with skulls, plants, and scientific equipment. With no friends, no phone signal, and no television, James feels like he’s been exiled to boredomville. But as James struggles to adjust, he begins to notice things he never paid attention to before: the quiet rhythm of the creek, the fragile balance of life in the marsh, and the steady, purposeful hum of his grandmother’s bees. With the help of his new friends Rosa and Hank, and his loyal dog Mephitis, he uncovers who’s been burning local beehives—and what’s been hurting his family. The Song of the Bees is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about resilience, connection, and finding your place in an unfamiliar world.

Tim Chapman has penned an intense, coming-of-age page turner in The Song of the Bees. Hunkered down in seemingly safe, rural Wisconsin with his kookie grandmother, James must learn hard lessons about friends and family, bees and bullies, and teamwork and treachery. Hand this important book to every middle-schooler you know!
—Sherrill Joseph, award-winning author of the Middle-Grade series The Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries

The Song of the Bees is a heartening story about family and how even the most challenging events can help bring people together. Young readers and adult readers alike will enjoy seeing James grapple with so many big changes in his life happening all at once and appreciate his caring and thoughtful interactions with everyone around him.
—Michelle Falkoff, author of How to Pack for the End of the World and Playlist for the Dead

“Poignant and genuine, this touching story of resilience will resonate with any child who has ever felt out of place—or searched for where they truly belong.
— Valerie Biel, award-winning author of HAVEN and the Circle of Nine series.

“…it was a very interesting book and one that I would certainly give to students.”
—Mary Beth M (Educator)

“Excellent middle grade novel”
—Carlyn Morenus (Librarian)

“I think this is a great read for for middle grade students–full of suspense, conflict, and other elements that may appeal to younger readers.”
—Katrina Yagi (Educator)

The Outcasts

When best friends Ogden “Og” Carter and Iggy
Lumaban head down to the creek one afternoon, they
expect mud, turtles, and maybe a little trouble. What they
find instead is something impossible—a floating blue light that
knocks them flat and changes everything. Their search for answers leads them to Ondine, a reclu-sive woman who lives in a vine-covered yurt with a talking
crow, glowing walls, and secrets that defy reason. Through
her, the boys meet Finn, a fiery, fairy-like being from another
world called Avilion, where a civilization teeters on the brink
of war. But when Ondine disappears and the blue light returns for
help, Og and Iggy are pulled into a battle that blurs the line
between science and magic. Now the boys must rely on each other—and a few very
strange new friends—to uncover the truth behind the light,
find Ondine, and save both worlds before it’s too late. Funny, fast-paced, and full of heart, The Outcasts
is a story of friendship, bravery, and the magic hiding
in plain sight.

“This delightful middle-grade adventure sweeps readers— along with its heroes—into a magical parallel world brim- ming with fantastical beings. With high stakes and looming conflicts that threaten the very existence of species in this realm, the human visitors must race to stop the destruction. Real-life school and family challenges add emotional depth to the story, grounding the adventure and giving readers even more reason to root for the characters’ success, both in the magical world and at home. Richly imagined mythical creatures, tight plotting, and strong character development make this a true treat of a read. I hope this is the kickoff to a series, because I’d love to see what comes next for these friends.”
— Valerie Biel, award-winning author of HAVEN and the Circle of Nine series.


The Outcasts was a finalist for the Gertrude Warner Award in Middle Grade Fiction.

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