Ever Barnes is a shy orphan who lives in a puzzle-box building (think an architectural Transformer) that is also a multi level switchboard center, the communications hub of his city. He’s the last of a family that’s guarded a precious safe—contents unknown—for generations. All Ever knows is that what’s in that safe protects the city and that his father was killed because he wouldn’t give up the secret of the safe.
Ever is resigned to living on his own in the swtichboard building, where he knows every nook and cranny, and all the cranks and levers that operate the complicated complex. Some of the nicer young women who work there give him food on the sly. He’s got his job: stay out of sight and protect the safe hidden deep in the maze of the building. Ever is the only one who knows about it. Or is he?
Ever’s lonely existence is upended by when Hannah, the daughter of the building’s owner, shows up and spots the orphan in hiding. Hannah is determined to befriend Ever. His avoidance and her pursuit set off an unexpected series of events. Two things quickly become very clear: someone else knows Ever’s secret and wants in on it. And having a friend is a very good thing when a whole whole evil goon squad is after you!
Book Genres Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Steampunk
Canadian Rights Yes
Dewey F
Title alpha City of Secrets
Level Graphic Novels Middle Plus
Pages Count 256
Genre Fiction
Topics Secret societies. Adventure and adventurers. Spies. Orphans.
Lexile HL390L
Trim Size 9" x 6"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2020-07-27
JLG Release Date Sep 2020
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Graphic Novels Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Graphic Novels Middle Plus
Graphic Novels Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
Book-length narratives presented in comic book style, graphic novels foster both visual and verbal comprehension skills while exposing readers to interesting dialogue and satire, as well as affirming diversity. JLG's selection of these unique books, some of them only published in softcover, are ideal for attracting reluctant readers and introducing them to literature they might not encounter otherwise. You may find that the 14 books in this category will turn your reluctant readers into eager readers.