Between Monsters and Marvels

A quirky examination of true monstrousness with a memorable protagonist.

Wishingrad (The Verdigris Pawn) tackles themes of exploitation, perception, reality, and trust in this high-stakes tale. Everyone on the island of Barrow's Bay is convinced that the monsters that once plagued the community were killed off years ago. But when 11-year-old Dare Coates's father, the Captain of the Guard, is killed, Dare believes it was by monsters, not humans. Not long after, her new stepfather, the island's manipulative governor, sends her to the mainland City-on-the-Pike to stay with her retired actor aunt. The city proves full of mysteries, and Dare soon discovers that the monsters are still very alive. She finds herself caught between two warring factions: those who wish to kill the monsters and those who want to save them. As she works to puzzle out the truth about her father's death, she uncovers information that makes her question everything she knows not only about the creatures, but about her father as well. Bouncy prose builds toward an engaging and optimistic exploration of how power and privilege can be wielded for both good and bad, as observed by one take-charge heroine who seeks to define her place in the world. Main characters read as white. Ages 8-12. Agent: Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Literary. (Sept.)

A twisty, crafty, creepy tale with a wonderfully warm heart. — Jacqueline West, award-winning author of Long Lost

In a world abound with monsters, a spiky, independent girl named Dare dares to unearth the truth about her father's death. At once a mystery, a fantasy, and a good, old-fashioned yarn, BETWEEN MONSTERS AND MARVELS will keep kids turning the pages until the last secret—and the most dangerous monsters of all—are revealed. — Laura Ruby, National Book Award Finalist and Author of the York Series

"A stunningly original fantasy. A richly built world of intrigue and illusion. Alysa Wishingrad's brilliant Dare is an entirely unique protagonist who braves deceptions at every turn as she tries to distinguish the monstrous from the marvelous." — Kate Albus, award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon

"Enriched by incredible world-building and extraordinary creatures, this riveting book kept me turning pages way past my bedtime and resentful of anything that distracted from reading." — Megan E. Freeman, award-winning author of Alone

"A pitch-perfect fantasy, a book to savor, with a new kind of tough girl hero. Dare is unafraid to be different, and uses her sharp edges to cut through the lies of history and power. She and the inventive creatures that fill this twisty, engaging narrative will make it a classroom favorite." — Diane Magras, author of Secret of the Shadow Beasts

"I do not usually read fantasy books, but I think Alysa Wishingrad may have changed my thinking on this after reading Between Monsters and Marvels! I completely loved this story!" — Cindy Schwind, EDU and #BookPosse Member

I adored this fantastical tale of Dare, a girl whose drive and determination match her name. She struggles to uncover the truth of her beloved father's life and death, the allegedly long gone monsters, the definitely present marvels and the frustrating, gray and dangerous nuance in between. Like her debut, The Verdigris Pawn, Wishingrad again takes us through a journey of friendship and trust, class and power, and the stakes of life or death. Layered action will keep readers turning the pages as Dare navigates the world in between, while remaining true to herself. — Nicole D. Collier, Author of The Many Fortunes of Maya and Just Right Jillian

BETWEEN MONSTERS AND MARVELS is the best kind of story, one that leaves you aching to be a better human. And nobody writes twists and turns better than Alysa Wishingrad, who takes readers on an unforgettable journey alongside Dare, a character who is as unique as she is clever. If you start this book, be prepared to have a lot of trouble putting it down! — George Jreije, author of the Shad Hadid series

Dare's world is full of magic and theater and life and makes you feel like you're walking right down the street with her and her wonderful companions. (Nell and Beastie are an absolute delight!) Between Monsters and Marvels is a truly exquisite MG fantasy and one of my favorite reads of the year. Another wonderful book from Alysa Wishingrad. Highly recommend! — Isi Hendrix, Author Adia Kebara and the Circle of the Shamans

Dare has an outwardly cantankerous nature that hides a desire for acceptance. This works to endear her to readers even as her thorny exterior provides entertainment. Dare's true nature reveals itself piece by piece, like the clues dropped in every so often that help expand the worldbuilding as well as the moral conundrums Dare becomes embroiled in. Questions of what constitutes a monster and who decides what's true add depth to an already feisty caper.A quirky examination of true monstrousness with a memorable protagonist. — Kirkus Reviews

A rich fantasy setting akin to a magical Victorian London. . . starkly divided by class, rife with crime, the filth of industrialization, and - whether people want to admit it or not - monsters. Colorful characters and genuine friendships make the mystery's darker themes easier to swallow as Dare confronts what actually makes something a monster. Hand to fans of Thomas Taylor's Eerie-on-Sea series. — Booklist