Books
Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
Shortlisted for the 2024 Green Earth Book Award
2023 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist, Juvenile Fiction
2019 Tassy Award for New Voices in Children's Literature, Middle-Grade Honorable Mention
Summary
Twelve-year-old Artemis Sparke conjures up help from deceased ecologists to save a Long Island Sound salt marsh from certain death, but chaos ensues in her tourist town when she discovers that her mother’s boyfriend’s hotel is part of the problem.
More Info
Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade (02/02/23) is the first book in the Brave Girl Collection.
Published by Regal House/Fitzroy Books
Part of the proceeds will benefit Save the Sound.
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Interview with Seedlings Teachers Collaborative’s Kathy Crockett
Explore more resources for teachers, stories behind the books, and more →
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Praise for Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
“A budding ecologist finds her voice in Kimberly Behre Kenna’s delightful novel Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade... Artemis is a courageous, passionate, and observant heroine who is vivified by her emotional complexity... Handling mature issues (including divorce, parental alcoholism, and near-death experiences) with tact, Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade is a commanding novel with a powerful environmental message.”
- Foreward Reviews (Starred Review)
“It’s unusual to find a middle-grade read that deftly navigates both peer relationships and the politics of adult interactions, but Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade addresses both worlds... The dilemma is well-done and will appeal to young readers... Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade is a strong story that moves from mystery to bigger-picture thinking about intentions, power struggles, disability, and ability... Libraries looking for a vivid adventure story that holds opportunities for broader class and peer discussion will find Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade an appealing acquisition.”
- Midwest Book Review
“Tapping into guidance from the marshland creatures—as well as some ghostly advisors with powerful wisdom to share—Artemis connects a whole team of activists to help fight a major decision. Artemis Sparke’s compassion for others, her environmental concerns, her creative activism, and her powerful voice, will surely spark inspiration to work for change. Kimberly Behre Kenna has written a page-turning guidebook for the next generation of readers who are inheriting difficult environmental problems, but who—as this book reminds us—have the potential to learn from the past and to create lasting change.”
- Diana Renn, author of Trouble at Turtle Pond and Tokyo Heist
“Readers will be captivated by this fiery, quirky, and determined twelve-year-old protector of salt marshes. Kimberly Behre Kenna’s debut novel is lively, magical, and wise.”
“Kimberly Behre Kenna has written a terrific middle-grade novel that will inspire readers of all ages… This entertaining page-turner has unforgettable characters, family drama, ghosts and secrets, surprises and suspense, and, without being pedantic, illuminates the urgency of battling climate change. The world needs more role models like Artemis Sparke.”
- Pamela Gray, screenwriter, Conviction, Music of the Heart, A Walk on the Moon
“A lovely tale full of pluck, passion, perseverance, and a dash of enchantment. A heartfelt adventure with a courageous young heroine determined to save her beloved salt marsh against daunting odds.”
- Sandra Waugh, author of Lark Rising and The Adventures of the Flash Gang series
“Birds love Artemis Sparke. Trees love her. Readers, too, will be captivated by this fiery, quirky, and determined twelve-year-old protector of salt marshes. Kimberly Behre Kenna’s debut novel is lively, magical, and wise. An essential read for these times when the earth is in such urgent need of care and we are in such urgent need of hope.”
- Ona Gritz, author of August or Forever
“Featuring a strong and compassionate character, Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade is an engaging story about friendship, protecting nature, and speaking up for what’s right even when it feels like no one will listen. Some helpful ghosts add layers of humor and mystery to this heartfelt novel.”
- Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale
“A timely theme, nuanced characters, a story brushed with a touch of magic. Kids will love following the lead of environmentalist, Artemis, as this book is rich with opportunities for science investigations and experiments.”
- Carol Wallach, CT recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
“Warning: Artemis Sparke is pure energy! Equal parts ecologist, artist, scientist and historian, Art had me riding her tailwind on her mission to protect the delicate salt marsh of Long Island Sound. And, oh my, the stakes are high—environmentally and personally! Kenna’s well-crafted debut is a timely gift.”
- Leslie Connor, National Book Award finalist and author of The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle and Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
Interviews
Kimberly Behre Kenna On The Story Behind “Artemis Sparke And The Sound Seekers Brigade”
Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire
January 2023
Kimberly Behre Kenna Interview — Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
Jean Book Nerd
January 2023
Kimberly Kenna on Communities for Kids
Dark Matter Zine
January 2023
Kimberly Behre Kenna Interview — Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
Big Blend Radio
January 2023
Kimberly Kenna, Connecticut
Women Mind the Water
January 2023
The Brave Girl Collection
Meet the two books in the Brave Girl collection: Artemis Sparke & the Sound Seekers Brigade (2/2/2023) and the latest, Jett Jamison & the Secret Storm (8/3/2023).
