Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #1 in the Byways series introduces the Johns family and sees the brothers to the starting line. Ewan is dependable but shy. Zane has a rebel’s reputation and a lone friend. Ganix has a gift for getting into mischief and enough luck to get back out of it. All three boys have inherited their father’s magic and are Changers with an animal form. But they’ll need more than a magical quirk to reach the finish line. A coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. On Your Marks takes its cues from “The First State,” Delaware. Excerpt: Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. “There they go again,” she said. “What now?” Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. “Boys? What’s the meaning of …!” He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers. “Not in the house!” Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs, tripping him.

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins (Byways)

Children's Books

Milbrandt, C. J.

Geography & Cultures

Byways

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure (Byways)

Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #2, Aboard the Train is Ewan’s first solo adventure. Having chosen the northern route, the eldest Johns brother is bound for Liberty’s mountains. He takes the train, confident that he’ll have a quick, comfortable ride to the finish line. But when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans. The Byways books are a coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Aboard the Train takes its cues from “The Keystone State,” Pennsylvania. “I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa Morton, The Scriblerians Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge. Excerpt: (from Byways Book #2, Aboard the Train, Chapter Three: “Stowaways”) “Who’s there?” Ewan used a stern voice. Had he found another hobo? “Show yourself!” From the straw in the corner, there came a small squeak. Ewan frowned. The noise was too tiny to have come from a grown man. Maybe this wasn’t a hobo after all. He crossed to the pile and pushed aside some of the loose straw. Two pairs of frightened eyes stared up at him. “Children?” he gasped.

Literature & Fiction

Ewan’s plans fall apart when he stumbles across two stowaways. Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard. Book #2, Aboard the Train is Ewan’s first solo adventure. Having chosen the northern route, the eldest Johns brother is bound for Liberty’s mountains. He takes the train, confident that he’ll have a quick, comfortable ride to the finish line. But when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans. The Byways books are a coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest. Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians. Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix. Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Aboard the Train takes its cues from “The Keystone State,” Pennsylvania. “I homeschooled my children and they would have loved Byways. The books are a fun way for parents and kids to learn about history and geography, not to mention appreciation of the intricate, whimsical art.” —Vanessa Morton, The Scriblerians Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Statues on the legendary Moonlit Mountain have a life of their own. Of all the world’s treasures, none are more valuable than stone from the Twelve. Children on all four continents are tested for affinity, for the mountains hold magic. But in the foothills of the Gray Mountain, no one remembers stone lore. The majestic Statuary is forgotten, as are the wonders that fill its galleries. Only rumors remain, and those are used to frighten children. For it’s said that a monster lives in the heights. Freydolf serves as the Gray Mountain’s Keeper. Exiled. Feared. Unwelcome. But necessity drives him into a Flox village to hire a boy to fetch water and tend fires. Tupper Meadowsweet isn’t the cleverest child, but he’s brave enough to follow his new master up top. In the Statuary, Tupper finds hints of faraway lands, diverse races, long histories, unique customs, and danger. Excerpt: (from Meadowsweet, Chapter One) “Hello, lambkin.” Fascinated by the boy’s unwavering gaze, Freydolf asked, “Aren’t you afraid of me?” “I am.” The big Pred blinked in surprise and asked, “Then why are you still here?” “Mother said to stay. And to look you in the eye.” Freydolf’s bemusement grew. “So you’re here because she told you to come, not because you want to work for me?” It took a while for the child to untangle the sentence, but once he did, he nodded. Lowering himself further, the sculptor sat on the ground. “You have nothing to fear from me, lambkin.” “That’s not what people say,” he replied bluntly, still not breaking eye contact. Freydolf had to smother a smile. “Aye, people do say otherwise.”

Meadowsweet (Galleries of Stone)

Action & Adventure

Olexi

Every spring, Aurelius Harrow returns to the Statuary with tales from his travels. This year, he brings back more than rumors. Brutal, ruthless, ambitious—the Pred live up to their reputation as wolves of the world. When Old Master Platt named one of them as his successor, disgruntled potentials walked away from the Gray Mountain. And in the months and years to follow, journeymen and stone merchants alike give Morven a wide berth. Master Freydolf’s isolation might have been complete if it weren’t for Aurelius Harrow. For two years, Tupper Meadowsweet has kept his promise to be brave and do his best. But during the spring when he turns thirteen, Aurelius returns to the Statuary with something other than blocks of magical stone and gossipy tidbits. Master Freydolf must rely on Tupper more than ever as they spend a season dealing with runaways, star-crossed lovers, skittish villagers, and rumors of a thirteenth magical mountain. But the greatest mystery of all may be Tupper himself, for the boy’s affinity for stone defies explanation. Excerpt: (from Harrow, Chapter 3) Not long after Aurelius carelessly heaped their dishes in the sink for Tupper to wash, a rattle came from the direction of the courtyard. The merchant darted to the big double doors with impressive speed and was outside before Freydolf had closed his sketchbook. Moments later, he reappeared, hands clasped over his heart. “I hope you know that lad is a treasure beyond price!” With a slow blink, Frey answered, “Aye.” Hurrying over to grasp the other Pred by the shoulders, Aurelius exclaimed, “He is the uppermost of all underlings, a luminary among lackeys!” With a small shake to emphasize each accolade, he continued, “A superlative servant! A magnificent minion! A paragon among peons!” Chuckling over the man’s raptures, Freydolf asked, “What? Did he bring you a keg of spiced ale from Master Platt’s private cellars?” Momentarily distracted, Aurelius whispered, “Are there any left? That would be a find!” With a small tap, Tupper peeped around the edge of the door. “Are you helping, Aurelius? We’re ready.” “Aye!” the Pred sang out. “I am, and gladly!”

Harrow (Galleries of Stone)

After years of searching for someone brave enough, Tupper Meadowsweet finds her at Pennyflax &amp; Quince. Tupper Meadowsweet is a young man by Flox reckoning, but he no longer fits in with his own people. Wild hair, stealthy grace, and foreign fashions make it obvious that he’s lived with Pred since boyhood. In his own quiet way, he’s been on the lookout for someone willing to follow him onto the legendary Moonlit Mountain. The last place he expected to find her was in his own hometown. Meanwhile, Master Freydolf faces the challenge of shaping his masterpiece while the Statuary’s close-knit community deals with new additions, cross-cultural courting traditions, magical meddling, mixed ancestry, and kidnapping. Excerpt: Aurelius’s eyebrows slowly arched. In a last ditch effort, he pressed into the girl’s personal space and grumpily said, “Boo.” Freydolf knew from experience that this tactic usually sent women and children screaming, but the lass folded her arms over her chest and eyed Aurelius skeptically. The sculptor begged, “Stop trying to frighten the child!” “Does she look frightened?” With a put-out expression, Aurelius demanded, “What’s wrong with her?” “Perhaps you’re losing your touch?” “Impossible. You may be considered a lesser evil, but I still possess the necessary charisma to send these simple folk skittering!” “That’s hardly something to be proud of,” Freydolf muttered, giving the young lady an apologetic nod.

Rakefang (Galleries of Stone)

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. 
Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.
Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. 
Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.
Excerpt: 
“There’s our rising star!”
The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.
“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.
Keech added, “Big smile.”
Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.
“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”
“Me?” asked Ganix.
“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!”
Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure (Byways)

Ewan, Zane, and Ganix—three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. 
Magic isn’t the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother—and his two companions—must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.
Among the Tents. Ganix finds the perfect job in a bustling seaside town that’s famous for its circus. Flashy costumes, dazzling magic shows, and a kind-hearted ringmaster make it possible for Hurlock and Galena to keep their secret. Until one of the sideshow attractions starts acting strange. 
Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography—icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They’re hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there’s a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. Among the Tents takes its cues from “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island.
Excerpt: 
“There’s our rising star!”
The huge three-top tent was packed with people. Hoots and hollers. Whistles and cheers. Excitement hummed through the stands, making Ganix’s stomach do a few backflips.
“Deep breaths,” said Tunk.
“Big smile,” added Keech.
Ganix’s attention switched to the ringmaster, whose voice rang out, calling everyone’s attention to the center ring.
“ … and introducing the newest member of the Greening Dragons. The cheekiest and the cheeriest! The baby of the batch, but the bravest by far!”
“Me?” asked Ganix.
“It’s your big intro, little brother,” said Keech. “Wonder what your stage name will be!”
Chart your course to CJMilbrandt.com, where readers can stamp into the Waypoint Log and take part in a very special Hometown Challenge.

A magical master sculptor banished from his homeland hires the only Flox boy with the nubs to take his hand.
In places where the Twelve Mountains are honored for their magic, children are tested for affinity. But the villages in Morven’s foothills no longer remember stone lore. The Flox have forgotten the Statuary and the wonders that fill its winding galleries. All that remains are stories to frighten children and gossip about a monster living in the heights.
Necessity drives Freydolf to hire a Flox servant. Tupper Meadowsweet isn’t the cleverest child, but he’s brave enough to follow his Pred master onto Morven, where he finds hints of faraway lands, diverse races, unique customs, long histories ... and danger.

Teen & Young Adult

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Milbrandt, C. J.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Milbrandt, C. J.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Milbrandt, C. J.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins (Byways)

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure (Byways)

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins (Byways)

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure (Byways)

Meadowsweet (Galleries of Stone)

Harrow (Galleries of Stone)

Rakefang (Galleries of Stone)

Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure (Byways)

Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure (Byways)

Meadowsweet (Galleries of Stone)