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The Neptune Challenge The Neptune Challenge, the most exciting "sea-quel" ever, is almost here! Disney/Hyperion will be releasing the second book in my Neptune duology on May 19.

In The Neptune Challenge, Nere Hanson, her dolphins and her companions must go on a dangerous rescue mission to save two of their kidnapped friends. Along the way, they confront fierce shark mutants and a savage undersea gang. The Neptune kids must also retrieve a secret invention from a ruthless scientist, an invention which could save their ocean world and the entire planet from climate change. The stakes couldn't be higher in this thrilling sequel to the award-winning The Neptune Project.

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK
Indiebound Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Chapters Indigo Powell's Amazon


Book Release You are Invited to a Book Launch Party
May 16 in Plano!


North Texas folk, I'll be having a fun launch party for The Neptune Challenge on May 16 at the Park and Preston Barnes and Noble in Plano from 1-3 PM. I will talk briefly about how I researched and wrote both Neptune novels. Then while I'm signing books, my wonderful mother/daughter book club girls and family members will run marine-themed games like Pin the Tail on the Dolphin and Fishing for Prizes for my younger readers. Our giant remote-controlled balloon shark Bruce will prowl the store once again. Please note: this is the only place you can buy The Neptune Challenge before its formal release on May 19.


Awards

The Neptune Project was just named a Buckeye Children's Book Award Nominee in Ohio. I'm particularly pleased with this honor as young people across the state choose the books that make this list.

Buckeye Children's Book Award banner


Texas Librarian Association Annual Conference

I had a blast this year at TLA because I finally had a chance to meet my wonderful new editor, and I actually knew people as I walked the exhibits. I enjoyed TT4L, an event where authors get to meet teen fans. Best of all, the line for my signing started to form a half hour early, and my maze stayed full until they closed it off. Because I'm still at the stage where I wonder if anyone is going to show up when I sign, having a full maze was very satisfying. Meeting librarians who just had to get a copy of The Neptune Challenge for students back at their schools was even better!

Texas Librarian Association Conference  Texas Librarian Association Conference


North Texas Teen Book Festival North Texas Teen Book Festival

Kuddos to the talented and hardworking librarians of Irving, TX and their friends and family for launching the first ever North Texas Teen Book Festival. It was so well-organized, particularly for a teen festival in its first year. I had a fine time meeting my readers, including this very polite senior in high school. He may be the tallest Neptune fan I've encountered to date!


School Visits

I was a bit surprised when I looked at my calendar and realized I had visited over eighty schools since September. Along the way I met so many wonderful teachers, librarians and students. I enjoyed giving my assembly on how I researched and wrote The Neptune Challenge, and I loved sharing tips on how students can become better writers. I also taught writing workshops to students in Maryland, Ohio, Colorado, Texas and Oregon. If you are interested in booking me next year, please contact hyperionvisits@aol.com. Thank you so very much to all of the hardworking librarians, teachers and PTA members who hosted me this year!

Assembly

Girl Scouts

I also met with Junior Girl Scouts all over North Dallas and helped them to earn their Scribe Badge. Leaders who are interested in my Girl Scout programs, please contact me at neptuneproject1@aol.com over the summer or early in the fall as I am getting very busy with school visits, but I want to make sure I still work with several troops each year.

Girl Scouts  Girl Scouts


What's Next for Me?

June 1st I'm going into my writing cave to finish up my latest middle grade novel, a story about an enchanted carousel that comes alive on the summer solstice. I'm going to miss Nere and her dolphin friends, and I still hope to write a third book in the Neptune series someday. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to writing fantasy again. Thank you all for making this past year so productive and exciting.

Polly Holyoke
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