Above

What dangers lurk above?
Pat O'Toole and his brother, Coop, are on the run from an enemy that specializes in hiding in plain sight. Along with their new companion, Kate, they've narrowly escaped a cultlike community situated beneath the streets of New York City. Kate has lived underground since birth, and the world above thrills her, but it's treacherous as well. With the cult's leader -- Kate's grandfather -- hatching a new scheme of global consequence, the three runaways may be the only ones who can stop him. Will they face him head-on, or will they spend the rest of their lives as fugitives? The adventure that started Beneath concludes Above in this action-packed middle-grade thriller by Roland Smith! Praise for Above:"Smith keeps suspense thumping and pages turning... Compulsive reading all the way to the end." -- Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Beneath:"A tightly plotted mystery that incorporates themes of nonconformity and social rebellion... Humor, a perilous setting, {and} intense relationships... give the story emotion and grit." -- Publishers Weekly"A fast-paced, compelling read. Fans of Smith will not be disappointed." -- Booklist"Avid lovers of adventure fiction will enjoy this quick read." -- School Library Journal Roland Smith first worked with animals at the Oregon Zoo, and he has been involved in animal rescues and conservation work around the world for more than 20 years. He is the author of numerous books for young readers, including Jack's Run, Zach's Lie, Peak, the Cryptid Hunters series, and the Storm Runners series. He is also the coauthor of numerous picture books with his wife, Marie. Roland lives with Marie on a farm south of Portland, Oregon. You can find him online at rolandsmith.com. The bright snow on the ground hurt my eyes. I reached for my shades, then changed my mind. I was above now. This is where I lived. I needed to act like a normal person. I needed to get used to the light.After a couple of blocks I started to relax. I passed the bus station, tensing a little as I walked by the people at the curb waiting for rides, or getting dropped off. No one looked familiar. No one paid attention to me. I was just a person with a backpack. A fellow traveler on a wintry day. My eyes stopped watering. I began to smile. Everything would be okay, and that's when he stepped out in front of me."You!" I shouted."Good to see you, Kate. We need to talk." Praise for Above:"Smith keeps suspense thumping and pages turning... Compulsive reading all the way to the end." -- Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Beneath:"A tightly plotted mystery that incorporates themes of nonconformity and social rebellion... Humor, a perilous setting, {and} intense relationships... give the story emotion and grit." -- Publishers Weekly"A fast-paced, compelling read. Fans of Smith will not be disappointed." -- Booklist"Avid lovers of adventure fiction will enjoy this quick read." -- School Library Journal