Forever Twelve (The Evers)

by Stacy McAnulty (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Evers

What if you were twelve for all of eternity? From the award-winning author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl comes a magical mystery about a group of kids who have been alive for hundreds of years.

At the elite West Archer Academy, all the students are gifted, but four are exceptional. Though the Evers look twelve, they're actually centuries old, possessing knowledge and talents that make them extraordinary. And boarding school is the perfect cover for their brilliance -- and their secret. It's supposed to be a typical year in the anything-but-typical lives of these "kids" . . . until Ivy Stewart shows up. She resembles an Ever who went missing more than seventy years ago. And Ivy could be the key to unlocking their curse.

But ambitious Ivy is at West Archer to achieve her own extraordinary goals, and nothing will distract her. Or so she thinks! With the desperate Evers determined to find answers, and her former classmate -- and laid-back cool guy -- Ronan determined to protect her, Ivy soon finds herself swept up in a mystery ony she can solve.

Will her life be changed forever . . . and ever?

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$17.99

Booklist

This book will appeal to fans of multiple perspectives and American history.

Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review
Fantastic

Publishers Weekly

Two seemingly ordinary tweens are suddenly thrust into a chaotic adventure in this inviting mystery by McAnulty (Millionaires for the Month). Twelve-year-old classmates Ronan Haywood and Ivy Stewart are the only two students in their middle school who have been selected to transfer to prestigious West Archer Academy, an exclusive North Carolina boarding school for gifted kids. As the duo acclimate to their new environment, they develop a begrudging yet steadfast friendship that helps them weather anticipated challenges such as increased workload, imposter syndrome, and homesickness. But nothing could have prepared Ronan and Ivy for the realization that Ronan has begun developing psychic powers, or that Ivy's roommate Abigail is both immortal and part of a secret society of kids called Evers who've been alive for centuries. Ronan, Ivy, and Abigail's alternating POVs provide multifaceted glimpses into the ever-widening scope of West Archer Academy's secrets. The appealing boarding school setting, cliffhanger ending, and thematic focus on how to cultivate strong, long-lasting friendships are sure to invest readers in this paranormal series opener. Main characters cue as white. Ages 8-12. Agent: Lori Kilkelly, LK Literary. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"A unique, mesmerizing mystery!" —Kelly Yang, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of New From Here and Front Desk

★ "An intriguing premise, complex characters, and a compelling mystery make for a series opener that will leave readers desperate for the next entry.... Fantastic." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review


Stacy McAnulty

Stacy McAnulty is the author of several picture books, including Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach, and Beautiful, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

David Litchfield is the author-illustrator of the award-winning The Bear and the Piano, as well as the illustrator of numerous picture books, including Miss Muffet, or What Came After by Marilyn Singer. He lives in Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593429624
Lexile Measure
600
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Random House
Publication date
October 20, 2023
Series
Evers
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
Library of Congress categories
Schools
Fantasy
Fantasy fiction
Boarding schools
Immortality

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