Previous Books
Out of Synch (as Warren Firschein)
Thirteen-year-old Katie Phillips dreams of reaching the U.S.Synchronized Swimming National Championships. But her sports-obsessed father wants her to quit the team to focus on swimming races--real swimming, as he puts it--to earn a college scholarship like her narcissistic older brother Nick, a Florida state record holder. When Katie's duet partner is seriously injured in a freak accident during practice, her determination to overcome her family's lack of support is put to the test as her life unravels around her.
For Middle Grade Readers
The Pirate of Janaconda Island (as Warren Firschein)
Twelve-year-old twins Lucy and Paddy Hendricks think they're in for the worst summer of their lives when they arrive on Janaconda Island in June of 1949. There's nothing to do and the rotted old mansion that will serve as their family's home is filthy and littered with junk. But when they discover the house's former owner was a notorious pirate who left behind cryptic clues to the location of stolen gold, they are swept into a dangerous adventure of discovery that tests the limits of their wits and courage.
For Middle Grade Readers
Reviews
About Out of Synch:
Part of the joy of reading Out of Synch is that it exudes passion and struggle. Even readers with no prior familiarity (or interest) in the world of competitive swimming can easily relate to Katie's feeling of being pulled in all directions, most of which oppose her love of one (less promising) choice in particular. It's a familiar scenario: does one follow one's heart, or acquiesce to the pressures and (supposed) insights of those older and wiser? Does one continue the struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds, or make the kinds of decisions that lead to new opportunities? And where is the intersection between personal goals and belief and the bigger picture of success?
That Katie will succeed, with her drive, determination and vision, is a given. The story line lies not in the fact that she will ultimately succeed, but in how she becomes a winner.
Details on the sport of synchronized swimming are specific and real, teammate and family interactions are realistic and absorbing, and readers will find in Katie an inspiring figurehead for their own desires to buck outside pressures and understand the differences between realizing a dream and tackling impossible odds.
--Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
"Engaging . . . a fun read."
--Kirkus Reviews
"A must read for anyone in our sport and especially for all of the young girls whose passion is synchronized swimming."
--Judy McGowan, President, USA Synchro
About The Pirate of Janaconda Island:
Advanced elementary to middle school readers will appreciate the intrigue and mystery which permeate this realistic story of two kids who find more trouble than they'd bargained for when they embark on a treasure hunt that places them at odds with other searchers. Dialogue is well done, adult interventions and actions juxtapose nicely with the siblings' efforts, and young readers will become immersed in a series of puzzling clues that are riveting and keep readers guessing until the end. Unlike some treasure-oriented mysteries for kids, Warren Firschein rounds out his story with adult purposes and perspectives and a realistic approach where the kids don't always act independently, but have steady interactions with parents and outsiders alike. The result is an engrossing mystery highly recommended for kids who live for tales of treasure and intrigue.
--D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
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