Lucas Miller and the Silver Shadow

Middle Grade, Fantasy

No one knows why some people are born beasts, and most people don't care. But old superstitions die hard, and those who are natural are wary of beasts, mystified by their resemblance to animals.

Lucas Miller grew up in the woods of northern Maine in poverty and as an orphan, raised by his older brother Adrian. As beasts, the brothers kept mostly to themselves, surviving on whatever they could hunt or grow in their garden - and Adrian's meager wages. When a fire breaks out at Adrian's workplace, the beast employees are blamed and dismissed without pay.

Having lost their livelihood and facing increased scorn from suspicious neighbors, the brothers relocate to New York City in search of opportunity and acceptance. There, Lucas discovers not only friendship but intrigue, and that beasts - and he, in particular - may be more exceptional than he ever dared imagine.