Books
No Ordinary Thing
Time traveling is no ordinary thing, but that’s what awaits 12-year-old Adam when he finds a snow globe that allows him to journey into the past. The snow globe whisks Adam from his home and introduces him to a succession of unusual characters along the way. Strangely, each individual seems to have a past that is interwoven with Adam’s own.
100 years ago in the streets of New York City, the famous magician and candlemaker extraordinaire Elbert the Excellent hopes to dazzle the world with his magic, but instead stumbles upon a mysterious entity known as “the time touch.”
As the two storylines unravel, they reveal a single thread that ties Adam and Elbert’s pasts together. At the center of their histories lies an abandoned candle factory, a factory that claimed multiple lives in a tragic fire years ago… one that Adam might be able to prevent.
Praise
“Resolving mysteries and featuring glimpses into its hero’s future, No Ordinary Thing is no ordinary time travel story; it contains timeless lessons on friendship, bravery, and letting go.” – Foreword Reviews
“Schmidt’s complex, tightly constructed middle grade debut explores time travel and fantasies about altering the past for the better… Told in a confident narrative voice, the novel adroitly traces the characters’ and objects’ journeys and connections, encouraging close reading and keen speculation as the suspense builds to a most satisfying conclusion.” – Publishers Weekly
“Schmidt provides hints and sentiments that provide a warm, comforting backdrop, as do her narrative metaphors and sensory details of the bakery… Elegant writing and an imaginative conceit.” – School Library Journal
“Will leave readers thoughtfully making connections and drawing conclusions.” – Booklist
Other Works-in-Progress
Untitled Mooncakes Story
Set in ancient China, a pair of twins must reverse the curse set upon their village after an Autumn Harvest festival goes awry.
- A mystical moon rabbit 78%
- Princesses throwing deadly weapons 50%
- Mooncakes made of dreams (and nightmares) 45%
- A vengeful ghost 65%