Imagine a zoo where animals have secrets and exhibits lead to hidden worlds beyond what visitors can see. That's exactly what Noah discovers when his sister Megan mysteriously disappears from their neighborhood near the Clarksville City Zoo. Late at night, monkeys are scaling the walls and searching the neighborhood—but what are they looking for?
When Megan vanishes without a trace, Noah and his best friends Richie and Ella realize they're the only ones who can find her. Their investigation leads them to notice the puzzling behavior of zoo animals—monkeys climbing walls, animals acting strangely, and clues that suggest something extraordinary is happening behind the scenes. With time running out, they must follow a series of mysterious clues and sneak into the zoo after hours.
Once inside the zoo walls, the kids discover there's much more to the Clarksville City Zoo than they could ever have guessed. The author originally had this idea when he was just nine years old, wondering what would happen if zoo exhibits had secret doors that allowed kids to go inside—and animals to come outside. This childhood wonder comes alive on every page, creating a story that bridges reality and fantasy in the most exciting way possible.
This fast-paced adventure combines mystery, fantasy, and animal fascination in a way that keeps middle grade readers hooked from beginning to end. The Secret Zoo has become a favorite for both home and classroom reading, standing alongside beloved middle grade fantasy favorites like The One and Only Ivan. Kids who love puzzle-solving, animal stories, and thrilling adventures will find themselves completely immersed in this tale of friendship, courage, and the extraordinary secrets that hide in plain sight.
Whether your young reader is a mystery buff, animal lover, or just someone who loves a good adventure story, The Secret Zoo delivers excitement, suspense, and a touch of magic that makes it impossible to put down once you start reading.
