An excerpt from a new story in search of a long-lost treasure near the shores of Badger Lake. In this scene, the kids are looking for clues at the town museum. Could something inside of the fish tank help lead them to the treasure?
“Let’s try and find Ms. Nestleton,” insisted Danica, “It seems like eons since we last saw her.”
But Billy and Max were already heading for the door. “We weren’t even invited to this meeting,” said Max, “You know what happened the last time we were caught sneaking around where we weren’t supposed to be.”
Neither Danica nor Joey protested. They followed Billy out of the meeting hall and into the foyer where the large dinosaur skeleton stood. They tiptoed carefully underneath, making their way to the entrance.
In doing so, a person in the corner caught Joey’s eye. Amidst the waves of glistening light, staring spellbound at the large aquarium. “Mr. Mac?”
The figure spun around. “Oh, uh, I didn’t see you children here.” He gulped and put the tips of his glasses back over his ears.
“Mr. Mac is that you?” asked Joey again. Billy grabbed Joey’s elbow. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” he said.
The figure turned again, walking hurriedly into the meeting. It didn’t give Joey a chance to tell if it was really Mr. Mac or not. It sounded like him.
"Oh, how exquisite," Mr. Mac observed. "Give me that. I'll put it in my coat pocket to make sure it's safe." He put the jewel into his pocket filled with treasure items.
In this scene, the students are competing in an obstacle course at an autumn festival held at Badger Lake Elementary...
Like the rest of the bonanza, Mr. Mac’s eerie pumpkins were also scattered around the obstacle course. As the evening light began to fade, their green glow added an extra-spooky effect to the night.
Danica and Joey faced-off against one another in the obstacle course. The others weren’t far behind them. Danica raced far ahead as Joey reached the opening of the maze, which was surrounded by tall corn plants tied together. The dried-out husks made a rustling noise, as Joey tried to keep up with Danica.
Thud! He tripped and fell face first onto the ground. It was a vine from one of the pumpkins, reaching out and twisting around his shoe. He quickly pulled free of the loop and looked behind nervously.
There was a pile of pumpkins, three of them, stacked on top of each other. The eerie glow came from the top one; it was the only pumpkin that was carved with a menacing smile. For a second he thought he saw another set of eyes move. Was someone peering back at him?
Author Bio:
J.A. Dobos is a supporter of the arts and author of the Joey Maloney series. His interest in creative writing began as a student, coming up with ideas for scripts and short stories. Aside from writing, he's also a media educator and enjoys outdoor activities, including landscape and wildlife photography.
"An entertaining story for young readers and all those who enjoy getting to know fun and, often, humorous characters. I loved reading it!" Ann-marie Harley, A Gift of Art
“This fast-paced, well-crafted book will pull you right into its pages, where you’ll join unique young heroes on a mysterious and thrilling mission to save their school.” Jennifer O’Meara, The Local Bookshelf
"Joey Maloney and The Badger Lake Adventure is a book for all readers. This is the perfect entertaining book for an elementary teacher to read to their students. Their students will be enthralled by each chapter to know what happens next to Joey and his friends. A story that will create and instill the love of reading into their students. This book is a prime example of the characteristics of an adventure story genre for young readers. I would highly recommend this story to be read to or have students read the excitement that develops in every chapter." Sean T. Walsh, OCT
Purchase Joey Maloney and the Badger Lake Adventure from Kindle Direct Publishing:
Sample Questions:
As you read the story, here is a writing activity that you could use in a notebook or just for fun.
Think about a time when you had to get used to something new...
What was it like?
Was it easy for you to adapt to whatever was new?
How did it make you feel?
In the novel, Joey feels like an outsider when he moves to a new school in a new city he’s unfamiliar with.
Have you moved to a new place before?
Did you know anyone?
Was it easy to make new friends?
Joey doesn’t like Badger Lake Elementary School at first. Most of the students he meets are mean and cranky, and he wonders if he’s going to fit in when introduced to his new Grade 5 class. The only person who seems even somewhat pleasant is his teacher, but even she is giving them a lot of homework to do!
“We can’t waste a second!” said Ms. Nestleton, “Principal Palmer hired me to bring this class to 100% in every subject, and that’s exactly what I’m planning to do!”
Why do you think the principal wants the students to get such high marks? Have you ever gotten 100% on a test before?
Do you think Joey is going to “fit-in” at this new school? Why or why not?