Writers Wednesday

CLASSIC CHILDREN’S FANTASY, THE ANCIENT ONE BY T.A. BARRON, RELEASED WITH NEW COVER AND AUTHOR INTRO

On March 8, 2016, Puffin Books reissued T.A. Barron’s classic fantasy adventure, THE ANCIENT ONE. Originally published in 1992, the book follows teenager Kate Gordon as she finds herself caught in a battle over the fate of a pristine forest that’s been discovered on a sacred Native American site rich in mystery and magic. Slipping into the hollow of an ancient redwood tree, Kate finds herself transported back 500 years to an enchanted time – and into a gripping adventure that will affect both past and future.

More than two decades after its original release, THE ANCIENT ONE still resonates with readers as it tackles big issues like environmentalism, courage, corporate greed, and unemployment. The Huffington Post lists THE ANCIENT ONE among the “9 Best Trees in Literature” and a current review on Goodreads said the book “is full of ancient magic and connection to nature, along with plenty of humor. T. A. Barron wrote a masterpiece, truly capturing my heart.”

In his introduction, T.A. Barron sheds light on the book’s genesis 25 years ago and writes, “What few people know is that THE ANCIENT ONE was inspired by a hike in California when I encountered the most magnificent tree I’d ever seen—a redwood of such grandeur that I nearly fell over backward trying to see its highest boughs. I lingered in that grove for the rest of the day. But at sunset, I still wasn’t ready to leave. Though I hadn’t expected to camp out, and hadn’t brought a sleeping bag or food, I decided to stay for the night. Whether or not I slept that night, I don’t remember. But I do remember feeling an extraordinary sense of peace. And I also remember wondering, all through the dark hours, what amazing stories this two-thousand-year-old tree could tell, what rich wisdom it could share.”

Weaving Native American lore within a fantasy setting, THE ANCIENT ONE was also unique in that it was among the few adventure books at the time that featured a girl as its protagonist.

“Today, we take for granted that young girls can be the hero of an adventure story, but when THE ANCIENT ONE was published, that wasn’t often the case,” said Barron. “I’m proud of the positive influence the book has had on a generation of young people, especially girls, and I hope that continues for generations to come.”

T. A. Barron is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Merlin Saga, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and was recently optioned for a major motion picture by Disney. He is the winner of the 2011 de Grummond Medallion for "lifetime contribution to the field of children's and young adult literature." A long-time advocate of the power of youth, Barron writes about fictional young heroes in his novels, but champions inspiring young people in real life. He founded the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which honors outstanding young leaders who have made a significant impact on their communities and the environment. He lives in Colorado with his family. For more information, please visit www.tabarron.com.

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THE ANCIENT ONE

 by T.A. Barron

Published on March 8, 2016 by Puffin Books

Ages: 12-up