Welcome to the home of Albert Bell Jr.

Home

Children's Books

The spooky old Bradford House at the top of the hill has loomed over Steve Patterson and Kendra Jordan's neighborhood for years. But not until a new neighbor, 11-year-old Rachel Mendoza, notices an eerie light in an attic window does the question arise: Is there a ghost in the house?

While they try to answer that question, Steve and Kendra have to deal with the tension caused by the presence of a "new kid" in the neighborhood, one who seems to have a more than casual interest in Steve. Steve is also reconnecting with his divorced father and learning how difficult that process can be.

The book will be published in April by Ingalls Publishing Group. To read a couple of sample chapters click

The Secret of the Lonely Grave

Eleven-year-old Steve Patterson and his friend Kendra Jordan walk by a cemetery on their way to school each day. Their curiosity is aroused when they notice flowers left on an old grave off in one corner of the cemetery.

No one has ever left flowers there before. Who could have left them? Why? As they look for the answers to these questions they discover some things about the history of their small Kentucky town that take them back to the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. But not everyone is pleased that they've solved their town's oldest mystery.

(An earlier version of this book was published under the title The Case of the Lonely Grave. This version has been reworked with the input of a number of elementary and middle-school children who have read and commented on it.)

I'm pleased to announce that The Secret of the Lonely Grave won the 2008 Evelyn Thurman Young Readers' Book Award, given by the Western Kentucky University Libraries.

I had a great time at the award ceremony and had the chance to speak to a group of over 100 kids and their parents as part of the University's Super Saturday program. If I hadn't had a really bad cold that weekend, I would have enjoyed it even more (and I might have looked better in the pictures). To see some pictures from that event click here. The book has also won a silver medal in the Juvenile Fiction, 9-12, category from the Mom's Choice Awards. For details, click here

"What a fantastic book!" Book Review Cafe

". . . a strong, thought-provoking read . . . . an entertaining story that tackles controversial, difficult and painful topics in meaningful, age-appropriate ways." 3Rs Reading Den

". . . an entertaining mystery that even adults could enjoy . . . . while they learn, kids are treated to a great can't-put-it-down mystery." MyShelf.com

"The saddest part upon reading this story was the fact that it had to end. What a super story." Frontstreetreviews.com

". . . gripping, powerful and genuine. The story has both a pacing and engaging plot all while the author incorporates history, family values and new friendships formed. Bell's characters are well defined and believable. If looking for an interesting and entertaining read, look no further, as this one is sure to please. I give it 4 plus stars." Armchairreviews.com

". . . a masterpiece for 9-11-year olds. The reader will not be able to set down this gripping and fast-paced tale . . . . As a parent, teacher and writer, I give this book an enthusiastic thumbs-up; it's a must-read!" Karen Hoenecke, author of 30 children's books

To read a sample chapter of this book, click here!

To order this book from Amazon, click here

To order this book from Barnes and Noble, click here

[ Back ]