A modern day adventure as our protagonists search for Excalibur and the treasures it holds This is a must-read for Middle Graders keen on action, adventure, and Arthurian stories Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur. However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them?

Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped.

Book extras include some historical background on King Arthur, the Dark Ages, warfare and weaponry during Arthur's time, and details on Excalibur. A fascinating peek into the life and times of the real King Arthur, perfect for young time travelers and budding archaeologists. For coloring-in enthusiasts, ten original black and white illustrations including 2 maps make for more enjoyment

About the Author
Ingram, Fiona: - Fiona Ingram's earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, she entertained her three younger brothers and their friends with serialised tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity. Haunted houses, vampires, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favourites in the cast of characters. Although Fiona Ingram has been involved in the theatre and journalism, writing a children's book--The Secret of the Sacred Scarab--was an unexpected step, inspired by a family trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for her two nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied her on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into a children's book, the first in the adventure series Chronicles of the Stone. The second book in the series--The Search for the Stone of Excalibur--a huge treat for young King Arthur fans, is now available with Book 3, The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, on the way. Although Fiona Ingram does not have children of her own, she has an adopted daughter, from an underprivileged background who has discovered the joys of reading for pleasure. Naturally, Fiona is a voracious reader and has been from early childhood. Her interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films. She loves travel and has been fortunate to have lived in Europe (while studying) and America (for work). She has travelled widely and fulfilled many of her travel goals. *Book Award Nominations & Wins: *Finalist Children's Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards *Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards *Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers' Favorites Awards *Number 2 in the USA Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens *Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards *Finalist Children's Fiction 2010 International Book Awards *Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards *Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards *Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children's Literary Classics Awards *2nd Place in the 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards * Gold Medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards

"PINTO deserves a spot on the reading list of not only young, horse-crazy readers, but adults who like horse tales, ala Black Beauty." -- Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Reviews

"PINTO is a story of joy, tragedy, heartache, and dedication by a group of men and their horses and the people they meet along the way." -- Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

"PINTO revives an amazing part of history that has lain forgotten for ages. It is written with a unique twist and is both informative and entertaining." --Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

In 1912, four men, calling themselves the "Overland Westerners," decided fame and fortune awaited if they embarked on the longest horseback ride in history. Their goal was to visit all forty-eight state capitals over the course of three years and complete their journey at the San Francisco World's Fair on June 1, 1915. Facing rugged roads, raging rivers, thieves and near starvation, the men went through seventeen horses. Only one horse completed the entire journey... Pinto, a little horse with a heart as big as the whole country This is Pinto's account of his arduous adventure.

About the Author
Evans, M. J.: - Award-winning author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. The author is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado mountains where she and her husband now live.