GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 27, 2009 —Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, releases an exciting new series for tween readers packed with supernatural adventure from Bill Myers, bestselling author of The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle and writer, co-creator of the Focus on the Family video series “McGee & Me.”

The Elijah Project series will debut in May 2009 with On the Run, The Enemy Closes In, Trapped by Shadows, and The Chamber of Lies. Written for readers ages 9-12, The Elijah Project series explores the adventures of Zach and his sister Piper as they battle to protect their little brother Elijah, a six-year-old whose supernatural gifts have drawn the attention of dark forces.

The first book in the series, On the Run, introduces 16-year-old Zach and his 13-year-old sister Piper. The brother and sister team must search for their parents while trying to keep Elijah safe. Although he never speaks, there is something pure and supernatural about Elijah that the powers of heaven want to protect and the powers of darkness want to destroy. Zach and Piper are going to need a lot of help from heaven to protect their little brother.

The Elijah Project series is the latest in a growing list of Zonderkidz titles targeting 9-12 year-old readers.

“According to a Publisher’s Weekly feature article on tweens, kids in the eight-to-14 age bracket are a growing market. While they may have other things in their life vying for their attention (e-mail, video games, activities), they are still healthy readers looking to read other titles outside of school lists,” says Zonderkidz Senior Vice President and Publisher Annette Bourland. “Zonderkidz is expanding our offerings in this age range with this fantastic new series that will entertain and inspire both tween girls and boys.”

“The age between childhood and adolescence is critical,” Bill Myers adds. “This is the time they select the foundations upon which to build their lives and there are so many negative elements out there trying to seduce them. I love writing stories with enough action, adventure and comedy to hold their attention, while at the same time presenting a sound, Biblically based foundation. The trick is to keep the elements of entertainment so strong that you’re never caught “preaching.” The Elijah Project series does that in a big way!”

On the Run (ISBN: 978-0-310-71193-3) will be available wherever books are sold in May 2009 at a special introductory price of $4.99. The Enemy Closes In (ISBN: 978-0-310-71194-0), Trapped by Shadows (ISBN: 978-0-310-71195-7), and The Chamber of Lies (ISBN: 978-0-310-71196-4) will also be available in May 2009 for $6.99.

About Bill Myers

Bill Myers has been writing children’s and teen books and speaking at schools for over 20 years. As a bestselling author and award-winning writer/director his work has won more than 40 national and international awards including the C.S. Lewis Honor Award. His books and videos have sold eight million copies and include such titles as The Seeing, Eli, Forbidden Doors series, My Life As series, Bug Parables series, and McGee and Me series. For more information, visit www.billmyers.com

Cover illustrations for the Elijah Project are by Cliff Neilsen, whose illustrations have been recognized for their excellence by the Society of Illustrators, Print, and Spectrum. Neilsen is also the cover illustrator for various editions of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

Advance Praise for The Elijah Project series:

“Suspense, supernatural happenings and likeable characters are the winning ingredients in Bill Myers’ latest tween series.”
—Christian Retailing, April 6, 2009