Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J.C. Smith, a review
Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is a compelling portal fantasy with a 13-year-old hero facing lots of odds. It’s written by an author well known in the homeschooling community, S.D. Smith (“rabbits with swords”) and his son J.C. Smith. Our...
Red Rain by Rachel Newhouse, a review
Red Rain by Rachel Newhouse is a welcome addition to any library of Christian books for middle grade and up. It’s a suspenseful series opener with several illustrations, set 50 years in the future. Earth is governed by a grim single government bent on destroying...
Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou, a review
I bought Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou because I was drawn by its cover. This is only the second time I can recall doing that. It turned out to be a Christian middle grade book with an interesting plot and memorable characters. In short, a winner! And,...
Another Selah Award Finalist!
In the news! Secret of the Lost Dragons, Book 2 of my Guardians of Time series, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Selah Awards for Christian Fiction, 2023. Book One, The Dog Snatcher, also received this distinction in the previous year. Find Secret of the...
Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille, a review
Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille tells the story of a lonely young girl, heartbroken by the disappearance of her dog two years before, who suddenly finds hope. It’s been a rough two years. Kimmy’s best friend abandoned her, and she’s turned into a...
In St. Louis? Let’s have an author visit
I’m offering an author visit to a literature or history class in school or co-op. Kids can dress up as their favorite historical characters, and then I will lead a discussion about these characters and their stories. We’ll focus on good storytelling. There...
Badge of Honor by Susan K Marlow, a review
Badge of Honor by Susan K Marlow tells the tale of a twelve-year-old boy in Gold Rush California. Well, it’s past the first years of the gold rush. In fact, it’s fifteen years later, in 1864, and young Jem’s family has been in town, first prospecting...
Power Pup vs Tommy Trigger-Finger, a review
Power Pup vs Tommy Trigger-Finger is the first book in Amanda Trumpower’s amusing series for middle-grade reluctant readers, Power Pup. While it is a super-hero tale, it’s not a graphic novel, but an illustrated story. Investigative reporter Mittens Meow...
Hi, I'm Phyllis Wheeler
Award-winning middle-grade Christian fiction writer extraordinaire! I'm excited to have you here. To learn more about me and my story as an author and homeschool mom, visit the About page.
Featured Book by Phyllis Wheeler
The Dog Snatcher: Guardians of Time Book 1
The kid just wants his beloved dog back. Before it’s too late.
Disbelief and shock fill eleven-year-old Jake when a stranger grabs his beloved dog. Jake and his twin Ava chase the scruffy teen down their suburban street, but the thief simply vanishes. So … what is this ancient-looking skeleton key Jake finds in the street? Turning it in the air takes the twins—somewhere else!