Marta Palazzesi – författare

Winner of the Bologna Strega Ragazzi Prize 2020"A not-to-be-missed tale of courage and compassion."–Katherine ApplegateThe incredible story of a boy’s quest to give the ultimate gift to a caged wild animal: freedom.London, 1880, 13-year-old Clay is a mud lark, scavenging on the banks of the Thames for anything he might sell for money to buy food. One day Clay goes to the camp of the circus that has newly arrived in town and meets Ollie, a girl about his age, who lives with the circus. Ollie brings him to the cage of “the last wolf in England”. Mist, as he calls it, is fierce, angry, and indomitable, perhaps due to the cruel treatment of its tamers, which Clay secretly witnesses. From that moment on, Clay is resolved to give the wolf its freedom and return it to the wild. But first he must build trust with the wolf and, with Ollie’s help, find a way to release Mist back into the wild. This suspenseful novel will have readers rooting for Clay and Mist as they navigate their way through the obstacles that lay in their path.

"An intriguing, fast-paced fantasy with appeal for fans of Percy Jackson."―Kirkus ReviewsFrom award-winning author Marta Palazzesi comes a bold and exhilarating fantasy adventure—rich in breathtaking landscapes, electrifying action, and unforgettable heart.Just as Theo is about to turn thirteen, everything he knows is turned upside down. At the stroke of midnight, he awaits his Apto—the animal guide meant to mark his future as an Archemist. But instead, a fire fox appears: the rare, fierce, and fiercely loyal companion of the Alkrem.In that moment, Theo discovers a shocking truth—he isn’t an Archemist at all, but an Alkrem. Members of this persecuted group once wielded powerful weapons and brewed magical potions, until they were betrayed and nearly wiped out by the Archemists, who now rule with iron control. When Archemist soldiers raid his home and imprison his father, Theo sets out on a desperate mission: to find the legendary Alkrexa, an ancient Alkrem relic said to heal any wound—and possibly save his father's life.But the path ahead is more dangerous than Theo could ever imagine. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, Theo must question everything he’s been taught—and embrace a destiny he never asked for.Fast-paced, emotionally charged, and brimming with magic, Alkrem s a thrilling fantasy that will grip readers from the first page to the last.

An atmospheric middle-grade fantasy from a prize-winning author, set in 1914 Valencia - perfect for fans of The Invention of Hugo CabretStep into the crowds and join the festivities of the colourful Las Fallas festival in Valencia, 1914. Meet Amparo and Tomas - a girl who is a hawk by day, and a boy who is a panther by night. As dusk and dawn return, they can never meet as human children. But with the help of street-smart Pepe, these unlikely friends have hopes of working together to uncover the mystery of their shared past.Told alternately with powerful, atmospheric language and immersive full-page illustrations, this fast-paced magical adventure encourages readers to embrace who they are.

An atmospheric middle-grade fantasy from a prize-winning author, set in 1914 Valencia - perfect for fans of The Invention of Hugo CabretStep into the crowds and join the festivities of the colourful Las Fallas festival in Valencia, 1914. Meet Amparo and Tomas - a girl who is a hawk by day, and a boy who is a panther by night. As dusk and dawn return, they can never meet as human children. But with the help of street-smart Pepe, these unlikely friends have hopes of working together to uncover the mystery of their shared past.Told alternately with powerful, atmospheric language and immersive full-page illustrations, this fast-paced magical adventure encourages readers to embrace who they are.

An atmospheric middle-grade fantasy from a prize-winning author, set in 1914 Valencia - perfect for fans of The Invention of Hugo CabretStep into the crowds and join the festivities of the colourful Las Fallas festival in Valencia, 1914. Meet Amparo and Tomas - a girl who is a hawk by day, and a boy who is a panther by night. As dusk and dawn return, they can never meet as human children. But with the help of street-smart Pepe, these unlikely friends have hopes of working together to uncover the mystery of their shared past.Told alternately with powerful, atmospheric language and immersive full-page illustrations, this fast-paced magical adventure encourages readers to embrace who they are.