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by R. S. Royall (Author), R. S. Royall (Illustrator)
It's spring, 1943. Sheldon, an awkward introvert, will be a teen soon; time to decide which path to take. His overbearing father has a plan already laid out for him. But is it the life Shel really wants? After a particularly challenging morning at home, then being bullied at school, Shel decides he's had enough. Coerced by a mysterious light shining from the attic of a far-away, old farmhouse, Shel departs on an adventure to uncover just where in the world the city sidewalk ends. He journeys much farther than intended, however, when he finally reaches the end and, there at the threshold to the wild unknown, gets snatched up by a mysterious flying boot-thing bound for Arcania, land of imagination and wonder-a magical world, without sidewalks or signs, where all who wander are free to choose their own path... or become lost in the wilderness! Shel quickly learns that adventure comes at a cost, that the price of admission into the theater of destiny is never trivial. Challenged in ways he'd never imagined, Shel wrestles with the temptation to return home to the safe, predictable life his father has planned. Will he let fear rule his fate? Or will he remain in Arcania despite knowing that to stay will almost certainly cost him his life? But if he should return home, who then will help his new friends-a cast of dwarves and dreamers, mermaids and monsters, gypsies, giants, pirates, pelicans... and an eccentric, tree-climbing elephant-solve the mystery threatening Arcania and all who dwell there? Journey with Shel as he discovers the true meaning of friendship, the importance of living authentically, and the courage to pursue his destiny as a celebrated artist and storyteller.
