Join Curious Iguana at C. Burr Artz Library on Saturday, October 5, at 2 pm for an adventurous afternoon with author Stephanie Brick as she presents her new middle grade book, The Secret Doors of Cannondale. Following the reading, Stephanie will answer questions and sign books. Copies of her novel will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is presented in partnership with Frederick County Public Libraries and is free and open to the public. For accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.

About the book: An outcast girl looking to belong discovers a secret doorway to other realms in a thrilling portal fantasy novel for middle-grade readers.

When twelve-year-old Adeline Perle’s transient military family finally plants roots in an old, creaky mansion – Cannondale – the girl craves to build the lasting friendships that she, as a constant outsider, never had. At last, on the cusp of bonding with a new group of affable teens on Cannondale’s grounds, Adeline discovers an unusual treasure behind a secret door, unveiling portals to extraordinary realms where she is confronted with disappearing creatures and magical people, good and evil, and a boy who’s desperate to help her find her way back home.

But not all friends are as they seem. Some will go to any length to get what they want, including a secret Adeline does not even know she possesses. It is a secret so important, all the magic in the universe is at stake. Wars have been waged over it, and Adeline finds herself right in the middle of it all. She must overcome all inhibitions and face her greatest fears not only to survive but – after a lifetime of wanting – to find her place and way home.

About the author: Author Stephanie Brick deemed herself a writer from the moment she stapled together her first story on construction paper as a child. The rest is history as she continued to refine her craft as years passed, eventually writing a book to give her childhood self the adventure she always wanted. The book, a portal fantasy called The Secret Doors of Cannondale, takes middle-grade readers on a fantastical coming of age journey of friendship, belonging, and self-worth.

An architect by trade, Stephanie’s profession gives her a unique lens for detailed, multi-sensory world-building where readers experience taste, scent, touch, sound, and sight, leaving a greater impact that lasts long after the book is closed. Stephanie was inspired to write this book from her own childhood experiences, wonder, and daydreams, coupled with her youthful sense of curiosity and adventure visiting old houses with her parents, much like the one in her story. With an editor and author as parents, writing seemed a part of her genetic footprint.

When she isn’t writing thrilling fantasy stories for children, Stephanie enjoys cooking and eating delicious food, playing board games, kayaking, hiking, traveling to new places, basking in the sunshine, and spending time with friends and family. As an architect, Stephanie is a passionate and respected expert in salutogenic design, an evidence-based design strategy to improve human health and well-being in the built environment.

Stephanie lives in the greater Washington, D.C. area with her husband and their dog, Peppermint.

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