Leepike Ridge
I had bought this book by N.D. Wilson some time ago. I’ve followed Wilson’s writing since he was a teenager publishing odd but amazing short stories in his church’s “Trinitarian Cultural Journal” Credenda Agenda.  That journal is now found online here and Wilson is the managing editor.  In addition to editing Credenda, Wilson writes short fiction (published in Esquire), creative non-fiction, and children’s books.  Leepike Ridge is the first young readers novel he published and it was a great pleasure to read.  I gave it to my mom some time ago and she enjoyed it thoroughly.  Then she gave it back to me this year for my birthday so I could enjoy it too.  I am very grateful that she returned it as I read it in one sitting last night.  It went fast and I simply couldn’t put it down.  I highly recommend it and the rest of his stuff too.  Definitely look for the 100 Cupboards trilogy if you have any reading youngsters in the house!  My little brother and sister adored the first two.