With two bossy older sisters, Joe doesn’t like girls. Nan doesn’t have any friends.

Joe and Nan would never have spoken if they hadn’t both reached for the same odd little book on a shelf in their favorite part of the library, the adventure stories.

They agree to share it . . . and discover not just a story, but a promise that magic is real, and that someone from another world is needed to break a spell. Do they want to join Blackeye’s gang of pirate kids, who are determined to rescue an enchanted prince?

Nan is desperate to escape an unhappy life; Joe loves the idea of adventure. When the magic works, Joe is delighted to find himself in another world, one without school, homework—or sisters.

Nan is even more thrilled, not the least because now she gets a chance at a completely different life from an unwanted foster child. She can’t resist telling a very small lie, just a little one . . . that she’s a princess.

Pirates—orphan gangs—magic—castles—and spies abound as Nan and Joe discover magic and adventure . . . and who they really are.

**

### About the Author

Sherwood Smith writes fantasy and science fiction for young adult as well as adults. She has participated in and organized writing groups (both on- and off-line) for many years.
Smith's works include the YA novel Crown Duel. Smith also collaborated with Dave Trowbridge in writing the Exordium series and with Andre Norton in writing two of the books in the Solar Queen universe, and two Time Traders.

In 2001 her short story "Mom and Dad at the Home Front" was a finalist for the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Moreover, her children's books have made it on many library Best Books lists, and Wren's War was an Anne Spencer Lindbergh Honor book and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award finalist. [close] Sherwood Smith writes fantasy and science fiction for young adult as well as adults. She has participated in and organized writing groups (both on- and off-line) for many years.
Smith's works include the YA novel Crown Duel. Smith also collaborated with Dave Trowbridge in writing the Exordium series and with Andre Norton in writing two of the books in the Solar Queen universe, and two Time Traders.

In 2001 her short story "Mom and Dad at the Home Front" was a finalist for the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Moreover, her children's books have made it on many library Best Books lists, and Wren's War was an Anne Spencer Lindbergh Honor book and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award finalist. [close]