York: The Shadow Cipher

Description: From National Book Award finalist Ruby ("Bone Gap") comes the first book in an epic alternate-history series about three kids who try to solve the greatest mystery of the modern world: a puzzle and treasure hunt laid into the very streets and buildings of New York City.

Brief description:

Laura Ruby is the Michael L. Printz Award-winning author of many books for adults, teens, and children, including Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All and Bone Gap, both National Book Award finalists; the ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection York: The Shadow Cipher and its sequels; the Edgar Award nominee Lily's Ghosts; and the Book Sense Pick Good Girls. She is on the faculty of Hamline University's MFA in writing for children and young adults program and lives in the Chicago area. You can visit her online at lauraruby.com.

Review Quotes:

★ "In this smart, immersive series starter, Ruby expertly juggles stunning plot choreography, realistic stakes in a captivating fantasy setting, well-wrought characters, and flashes of sharp cultural commentary." - Booklist (starred review)

★ "This first volume opens up an ever expanding sense of magic, culminating in a bittersweet ending that promises bigger things to come. The past informs the present as the review informs readers: don't let this one go." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"The first book in an exciting new series that's great for fans of steampunk, history, mystery, and magic. Let the puzzles begin!" - Brightly

★ "Ruby's latest is a high-stakes mystery novel filled with intriguing puzzles, solid world-building, and diverse characters. An engaging series opener that will leave readers eagerly awaiting future installments." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"The pleasures of this novel go far beyond the crackling, breathless plot and the satisfaction of watching the puzzle fall into place. The book is shot through with humor, both laugh-out-loud and subtle." - New York Times Book Review