Shelby and the Shifting Rings

by A.M. Veillon

Book Overview

Twelve-year-old Shelby Shodworth spends much of her life trying hard to add to her list of ?thankful things.' After all, the mysterious disappearance of her father when she was very young and the recent death of her mother have left her orphaned and living with a cranky uncle. But things are about to change for this ordinary girl who soon finds herself in a most extraordinary situation. As a new student at Ms. Peabonnet's Academy for Girls, Shelby...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0976201550
• ISBN13: 9780976201557
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Parity Press
• Length: 167 Pages
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Finally, a strong heroine for our girls!

Not since the days of Nancy Drew have I seen such a strong role model for young women portrayed in literature. My daughter and I read each page together and could hardly wait for the fun and excitement each chapter would bring. Shelby's courage and positive attitude, despite the hardships she faced, were inspiring. We can't wait for Shelby's next adventure. Thank you A.M. Veillon for showing our girls they can be kind, yet strong and independent.

G/T teacher loves this book!

Wow! finally an intelligent yet spellbinding book for my students! I was so impressed with this book - especially because it was written by a 1st time author. Kudos to Ms. Veillon - she has managed to capture all the elements of an outstanding read on her first try! The heroine is believable, the plot is action packed, and the writing style is enjoyable. This book has it all! This is a "must read" for third grade & up as it combines fact with fiction which is not usually found in the majority of books available to teachers. I intend to use it in my reading program while engaging my class in discussions regarding the various science & history themes integrated into the plot. This book has great potential to springboard into so many different genre in the classroom. I'm thrilled to have strumbled upon this gem - don't pass it up!

Wonderful story!

July 12, 2005 At twelve, Shelby Shodworth after having just buried her mother is shipped off to an uncle she's never even heard of "The Colonel," also known as Leviticus, her father's brother. In her new home within Watercrest County, on Patchberry Lane she meets and befriends a wiry chatterbox, Casey Calper. Shelby spends much of her time trying to find things to be thankful for then adds them to her "thankful things" list, and Casey Calper was something to be thankful for. Shelby doesn't know much about her father other than he died in a fire ten years ago and a star shaped piece of silver that once belonged to him was been given to her several days prior to her mother's death. Life takes a quick turn for Shelby once she enrolls as a new student at Ms. Peabonnet's Academy for Girls. Here she meets a brainy, Molly MacPac. Both girls are instantly caught up in an exciting mystery involving a dark-cloaked stranger and a missing academy professor. Shelby searches for answers, and with Molly MacPac's help, they uncover a hidden time travel portal underneath the school, hidden in tunnels. Shelby finds the courage to use the time travel portal and unravels the mystery of her family's secret past! Author A.M. Veillon livens this great read with many colorful and memorable characters that add mystery and draw mix emotions within you; and the author does not leave out the problems a young girl could encounter beginning a new school. Making new friends, battling the school bully, and dealing with a teacher who appears to dislike her, all make for a realistic story. Reviewed by Betsie

A Wonderful Book!

In the beginning of this outstanding read, we meet 12-year of Shelby Shodworth, who is orphaned after the death of her mother. Shelby is shipped off to live with her Uncle Leviticus, her father's brother. Shelby's father was presumed dead years ago after a fire ripped through the lab at a school where he was a professor. We are taken with Shelby as she tries desperately to adjust to life without her beloved mother, makes a great friend in a young boy named Casey, and just when she is feeling a little better, she is whisked off to a private school. Here, she befriends a young girl named Molly and through an amazing course of events, Shelby and Molly discover that this was the school that her father lost his life so many years before. What is the mystery behind it? As the girls investigate more, they find a hidden time travel portal underneath the school hidden in tunnels. It is when Shelby finds the courage to use the time travel portal that the answers to so many of her questions are finally answered. I have to say, this is one of the best young adult books that I have read in a long time. Right from the start you are deeply involved in the life of young Shelby and as her questions mount concerning her life, you can't wait to turn the page hoping she will find the answers. The author brings into play many colorful characters that add mystery and draw mix emotions within you; and even though this story leans towards science fiction, the author does not leave out the problems a young girl could encounter beginning a new school. Making new friends, battling the school bully, and dealing with a teacher who appears to dislike her, all make for a realistic story. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend this read. The story moves along nicely, keeps your interest peaked with mystery and suspense, and makes you hunger for more. A Top of the Notch, don't miss this one read....no matter what your age may be. Shirley Johnson Senior Reviewer MidWest Book Review

Excellent adventure, great story line

I loved the book!! I loved the plot twists, some I saw coming and some took me by complete surprise. You will fall in love with Shelby and her strong will and incredible sense of right and wrong! A great role model for any age.