The Emerald Tablet by PJ Hoover
Benjamin and his best friend Andy are different from normal. They love being able to read each other's minds and use telekinesis to play tricks on other kids. In fact, they are getting all set to spend their entire summer doing just that when Benjamin's mirror starts talking. Suddenly, Benjamin's looking at eight weeks of summer school someplace which can only be reached by a teleporter inside the ugly picture in his hallway.
And that's the most normal thing he does all summer...
The Forgotten Worlds Book 1: The Emerald Tablet, October 2008
The Forgotten Worlds Book 2: The Navel of the World, October 2009
To find out more, drop into PJ's website and blog
Buy from Amazon
"Fans of Rick Riordan’s PERCY JACKSON series will particularly enjoy this book." -- Teens Read Too (Gold Star Award for Excellence)
Tristate Books of Note Pick for 2009
Excerpt:
Benjamin’s dad and Joey Duncan sat at the kitchen table, but when Benjamin and his mom walked in, Joey got up. The only things Benjamin knew about Joey Duncan was he worked with Benjamin’s dad and he was the coolest person in the world. It wasn’t just the ponytail and special powers like Benjamin’s; it was that he never minded when Benjamin used his powers around him.
“All I’m saying is that if the escape rate doesn’t go down, things are going to change.” Benjamin heard Joey’s telepathic comment clearly.
“What escape rate?” Benjamin replied audibly.
Benjamin felt a mind block go up in the room, and no one spoke. At least not aloud. Nor could he hear any more telepathic thoughts. It irked him. He was almost thirteen now. Why did all the grownups still exclude him from conversations? He wasn’t a baby anymore.
“What escape rate?” Benjamin repeated.
The mind block went down.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Joey replied. “I came over to give you a going away present.”
Before Benjamin could respond that he had no intention of going away, Joey telekinetically tossed an object to him. It stopped in front of Benjamin and rotated in the air.
The sphere was multilayered and constantly changed color. The pieces didn’t look like they could even be turned by hand, and, just for kicks, Benjamin telekinetically reached out and flipped one.
“What is it?” Benjamin asked. He’d never seen anything like it before, and was pretty sure Joey hadn’t bought it at a Wal-Mart.
“It’s a Kinetic Orb,” Joey replied, grinning from ear to ear. “Kind of like a Rubik’s Cube, but for smart people.”
“Wow, thanks,” Benjamin replied. “But I’m not going anywhere.”
But even as he said it, Benjamin knew, deep in the pit of his stomach, he was. He knew there was no getting out of this summer school thing, whatever it was.
“Yeah, whatever,” Joey replied. “Anyway, I thought you might like it. The trick is not only to solve all the phases, but to learn to do it with your eyes closed.”
“How in the world do I do that?” Benjamin asked.
“If I told you, it would take all the fun away,” Joey replied with a smile. “Anyway, have a great summer, and I’ll see you when you get back.”
Answer the following question for a chance to win a free copy of THE EMERALD TABLET:
Whose mind would you like to be able to read, and why?
Pop into the comments to chat with PJ!
71 comments:
Good Morning Everyone!!
:-)
Hello! Wow, the possibilities on mind reading are endless :)
I have to say that excerpt was awesome, PJ. As for reading minds, I can think of a few editor's minds I'd love to read . . . but seriously, I don't know if I'd want to read anyone's mind. I always think about that movie where that man all of a sudden can read all women's minds, and it's like total chaos in his head. I think I'd rather fly, can I fly?
AND the possibilities to use this book as an instructional catalyst in classrooms are unending!!!! PJ Hoover knows how to WOW kids into reading by establishing another world they do not want to leave. Isn't that what we're all striving for?
Rock on, PJ. You're smoking hot!
Can't think of a better person to roast. The Emerald Tablet is an awesome read!!! My nephew devoured it. So did my daughter's class.
I second that, Meredith! Reading editor's minds. Nice. It could at least come in handy.
And yes, you can fly!
Thanks, Debbie! Instructional catalyst! Now that is a buzz word I'll be using again.
Thanks, Stacy! Kids are way awesome, aren't they!
Fantastic excerpt! I would like the whole roast on my plate, please!
I wouldn't want to read anybody's mind... but if I had to choose from this excerpt, it would be Joey's. I like him from his ponytail, hehe! (my hubby has a ponytail, maybe that has something to do with it. Although I would never want to read my husband's mind. I can do most of that already just being his wife. Wait a minute...)
I need to read your book before the next one comes out. How exciting!
I'm with you, Lady Glamis! Ponytails are way cool (though my husband doesn't have one...yet) :)
Awesome to see you here! Let's see... I think I would want to be able to read the mind of my most playful cat, Leo, because he would remind me to do important things like sleep, play, cuddle--his personal priorities.
I have a question about your trilogy. Did you outline the entire thing before you started or how did you otherwise approach such an ambitious debut project?
I love the idea of reading a pet's mind, Cyn! Nice one! Wonder what my torts think?
I had a rough outline (really rough), but the nice thing was that I finished the third book (at least somewhat of a draft) and was still at a point where I could make changes to book 1. So I could work in things to make more sense and even drop in special little extras.
Thanks for asking!
Funny, I just started the Lightning Thief and I was thinking the same thing! I will get the Emerald Tablet next.
Just had time this moment to relax and read your excerpt---awesome!!! It feels, I don't know why, somewhat old school. And I mean that as a compliment because it's what I prefer to read...the older masters of fantasy.
Your outlining process seems charmed!! Love it when you can work in tidbits into the first book that will have relevance for later books!!!
:-)
Great excerpt! Of course it's great - the whole book is great!
And whose mind would I like to read? Maybe my son's. Then again maybe I really don't want to know what goes on in his head.
Lightning Thief is my favorite book, Corey!
Chris, isn't there some saying - There's no school like the old school. :)
Christine, I don't think you'd want to know what really goes on inside his head. I wouldn't with my son. :)
Now maybe your daughter's.
Great excerpt, PJ! You rock! xo ape
Thanks, April!
Not sure I'd want to read anyone's mind. It would be great for awhile, but then I'd think it would be a burden.
Though, it would be good to know what mischief my kids were up to...
Can you imagine if our parents had been able to read our minds when we were younger, Vivian? Ugh!
This was so much fun to read. And if you can't get a Kinetic Orb at a Wal-Mart, like Benjamin presumes, it would sure be a cool item for a store like Toy Joy or Over the Rainbow.
Even if it was just a "pretend" Kinetic Orb, it would make such a great kids' present.
Looking forward to reading this book, PJ. As for minds to read...I'd go with Stephen King. Seriously, a guy like that, can you imagine what his day-to-day thoughts would be like?
Great excerpt! I am happy to say that I won PJ's book on another blog, so don't enter me, but I still wanted to comment!
I think people should be able to read politician's minds.
A pretend kinetic orb would be awesome, Mark! And Toy Joy for sure would be the place to get it!
Whoa! Stephen King, Angela! Now that would be an interesting mind to get inside!
LOL, Kelly! Politician's minds. Can you imagine. Talk about conspiracy theorists' dreams!
Hmmm. Read someone's mind? I've been wondering lately what my son's bearded dragon is thinking.
As for people, no way. I'd rather live in innocent denial!
I, too, am impressed with your trilogy aspirations. It really must take some planning for it all to work out. Very impressive debut, indeed!
I wonder what a bearded dragon thinks, too, Patty. "Wish they wouldn't rub me that way."
Thanks so much!
I would love to read my husband's mind just for a day, to see our lives from his perspective, and would also love to read my sons' minds for at least a while to see what it's like to be them! Though I can already tell you one thing that's on my oldest son's mind, and that's that The Emerald Tablet is one of his favorite books! :-) I don't need to win this one because we already have it, but he's told me he can hardly wait for the sequel! (Of course I liked it, too!) We have even found ourselves talking about things from the book in daily conversation.
Well written excerpt. Whenever I read about telekinesis I have to wonder if the writer read "The Midwich Cuckoos?"
Oh, very nice. Makes me want to read the book more than I already did!
Hmm... oddly enough I never wanted to read other people's minds. Especially boys. (shudder) However, it would be nice to read the mind of someone I'm having a fight with so that I can see if they're really hearing what I think I'm saying.
I pity anyone who tries to read my mind, though. Seriously.
Love the excerpt, PJ.
As far as mind-reading, I think quite a few people can do that with those to whom we're closely connected.
As far as WANTING to read someone's mind without their permission -- I think that's unethical, so I'll pass! ;)
I guess I'd make the exception if my life was in danger and I wanted to know what the attacker was thinking so I could get out alive.
Aw, you're sweet, Alison! See that's why I'll miss you when you move! So glad your son liked it! And daily conversation using The Emerald Tablet is a wonderful thing!
Hey Charles! Thanks! And no, I've never read The Midwich Cuckoos. Should I? Now I'm intrigued.
Miriam, I think when people are fighting, all rational thoughts leave their minds, so they most likely aren't even listening to you!
Love the excerpt! Ooh, I'd buy a pretend kenetic orb and then buy some for friends and family too. As far as reading anyone's mind? Definitely my grandmother's. She has advanced Alzheimer's and hasn't spoken in years, so it would be wonderful to know her thoughts to make her more comfortable.
Totally unethical, Devon! It would be beyond weird, too. But I do think you're right. The more we understand ourselves and know other people, the closer this comes to reality!
Thanks!
Jessica, what an amazing and thoughtful comment! I love it. Your grandmother is totally blessed to have you as a granddaughter.
I dunno. Would I be able to control them like puppets? (evil laugh)
No! Mind control is totally not allowed, Greg.
Now repeat that 20 times.
Love this excerpt, PJ! Congratulations.
I'll pass on the mind reading, though. I think it would creep me out to know what folk were thinking. My pets, though? I'd like that. Especially the ultra standoffish cat...
Thanks, Liz! Do you think the cat can read your mind?
PJ!
My favorite book growing up was A GIFT OF MAGIC by Lois Duncan...I wanted my kids to be able to read a cool book about reading people's minds -- now I know. I'll be heading to the bookstore shortly. This looks like a book I may have to read after they do!
Too cool!
Thanks, Julie! I loved A Gift of Magic! And kids seem to love the idea of mind reading :)
Hey Tricia!
I'd love to be able to read the minds of some agents out there...
But seriously, it might be fun to read the mind of my sun conure, Sunni to know what he's really thinking of our new addition to our family, Jenny, a baby Lutino cockatiel.
**Also everyone needs to read Tricia's book! It's really good!
Great exerpt, PJ. I think it would be fun to read everyones mind, but just for the day, without them knowing. Think of the great stories you'd be able to write after a day of that!
Nice excerpt. My daughter read and enjoyed it too.
I'm currently reading, The Emerald Tablet and I've just arrived in Bangkok with Benjamin to look for the first key. I can see why kids are finding this book hard to put down! For me, I don't think I'd like to read anyone's mind or have anyone read mine. What if a block didn't work and you found out more than you bargained for!
P.S. I love the fantasy world you created. Lemuria seems very real to me.
Thank you, Kim! You are awesome!
Great point, Sherrie! That would make for some good story telling!
Thanks, Lois!
Thank you so much, Carmen! I personally love the whole idea of a trip to Bangkok...hence it making it into The Emerald Tablet!
I don't need to read my kids' minds to know they loved your book. They devoured it! And my daughter has been giving copies as birthday gifts -- complete with those game printouts of yours. But I would like to be able to read their minds at certain times. Just to make sure they're behaving ... and not pulling stuff that I pulled when I was their age. :-)
Thanks for sharing such a magic tale, P.J.!
This books sounds like a lot of fun. I love it when the first couple lines pull you right in and immediately make you want to read more.
I would like to read the minds of the people behind the counter when I am applying for visas, transport passes, drivers license, etc. "It'll be 5 business days" and "this needs to be dated in triplicate" or "Oh you switched ink colors on this one" are not always the most convincing arguments. :) If I could read minds then I would know all the rules and never get turned away.
I'm almost finished with the book and am loving it. I already can't wait for the 2nd.
Thanks, Jenny! How much do I need to pay your daughter for the publicity????? What a doll! And a very smart, smart girl.
Great point, Rachel! Knowing ahead of time what is expected would be good. Does that assume people know what the rules are?
Thanks, Jody!
Wow! You all know how to party during lunch break!!!
Yes, childrens' book writers are a LOT of fun!!
:-)
Thanks for dropping by, and keep the comments rolling in!!
Loved the excerpt!!! So glad to see PJ and her book featured here ... she's awesome!!
Hi, PJ!!!
Love the excerpts and my niece devoured your book.
Read minds?? Everyone I come in contact with. :)
Loved the excerpt PJ. Great work. Maybe you could write a post on your series planning prowess?
Who's mind would I like to read? Timothy Geithner.
*waves hello!*
Love that excerpt--one of my fav parts of the book!
And I second Laura's comment: series planning is a great topic :)
Oh, let me know if you do anything on series planning!
Can't wait to read book two of The Emerald Tablet! Tricia's writing rocks.
welcome pj... hi chris, thx for the neat excerpt :)
a mind i'd like to read? my own, if i could ever find it in the jumble of stuff crammed into my poor old bean! ;) lol
Uh oh, I'm late, I'm late! I'm so sorry, but it looks like the party is swinging along fine without me!
I'd definitely like to read my dog's mind. I'm hoping it would all be 'lovemumlovemumbonesleeplovemum'.
oops, sorry shona... YOU posted the excerpt :(
Um, I think you'll find that was Chris, wearing her special (Patent Pending) Shona disguise. Thank goodness she had the foresight to make one up, just in case! You'd be surprised how often she's had to use it...
*cough* time zones *cough*
This is the real me, though. Morning!
A post on series planning - great idea, Laura! Thanks!
*waves back, beth* And thanks!
Thanks, Kim!
Chris and Shona, you guys are FUNNY!
Keri! Thanks! Everyone??? Would you really? How fun!
Thanks, Kelly H-Y!!!!
It's as if we were...mind readers!
It's the last hour or so, merry roasters, jump in with any more questions or comments.
And...we're finished!
PJ, if you are still up, would you like to choose your winning answer to the question?
Thank you for spending so much time with us today! This was a lively one!
I'm going with Bill Gates. I think it would be intreguing to be inside his head.
THANKS SO MUCH, EVERYONE!!!!! This has been a blast!
I'll go with Lady Glamis! I love the thought that I can already read my husband's mind. In fact, I know what he is thinking right now!
Have a great rest of the week, everyone!
Sweet!!!!!!!!!
All of those were great comments. I'm lucky! I can't wait to read your book.
*rubs hands together with glee*
Congrats Lady Glamis and thank you again PJ!
grats lg... and thx pj :)
I'm the 70th commenter! This was a fabulous post. Great job, both of you. I too love the excerpt. And your blurb, and yeah, I'll stop now.
I will plan my next trip on Phuket. My destination is the beach. I knew that beaches in Phuket is very beautiful during Nov till March. If i go there, i will share my traveling picture and blog as well. I like your story so much....
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