The Secret Box

The Secret Box is a Junior Library Guild selection and the first in an irresistible middle grade series that will delight fans of Dan Gutman, Wendy Mass, and Trenton Lee Stewart.

What starts as a fun quest to open a mysterious birthday present quickly turns crazy and dangerous when Jax and her cousin Ethan discover themselves at the center of a special magical legacy. Soon they realize the secret box was not intended as a gift, but as call for help that they alone can answer.

Readers will love the page-turning mystery, hilarious girl and boy narrators, and clever incorporation of mythology—and lingering questions will leave them eager for more.

It looked like an ordinary package.

On her twelfth birthday, Jax Malone receives a surprise gift from her great-aunt Juniper: a mysterious locked box that will only open in one location. If Jax's mom hadn't freaked out and tried to return it, Jax wouldn't have paid much attention. She would have assumed it was just another boring present to add to the most boring, un-magical birthday ever.

Instead, Jax decides she must open the box—whatever it takes. So she recruits her reluctant cousin Ethan and together they trick Ethan's obnoxious older brother, Tyler, into helping them find the site where the box will open.

But what starts as a fun adventure quickly turns crazy, even dangerous, when Jax, Ethan, and Tyler discover themselves at the center of a mysterious family legacy—and learn that the box was not intended as a gift, but as a call for help. . . .

“It’s such a simple idea--what’s in the box? Boxes are magical. Boxes are fascinating. Anything can be hidden inside one. This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages.” - Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series

“This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages.” - Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series

“Never mind the mystery, suspense, and humor—what I loved most about The Secret Box was getting into the heads of its two unique and delightfully quirky narrators.” - Christopher Healy, author of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom

“Fresh voices make this story a winner. Jax’s wry, confident voice juxtaposed against Ethan’s insecure, retiring one, along with Tyler’s supergeek, out-of-touch arrogance, combine to create many laugh-out-loud moments. Readers will relish this sparkling adventure, which offers plenty of action, humor, age-appropriate danger and mental calisthenics.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Fresh voices make this story a winner. Readers will relish this sparkling adventure, which offers plenty of action, humor, age-appropriate danger and mental calisthenics.” - Kirkus Reviews

“This is a great read for reluctant readers or for anyone who loves adventure, mystery, or a touch of magic.” - School Library Journal

“This is a promising launch to a planned trilogy. Mixing Greek mythology and mystery with gamer lingo and poignant coming-of-age moments, Ringwald delivers a smart balance of comedy, endearing characters, and high-stakes escapades.” - Publishers Weekly

“The first-person narrative alternates among the protagonists: frizzy-haired Jax, the impulsive leader; introverted Ethan, always her sidekick; and his obnoxious video game-making older brother, Tyler. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is real.” - Booklist