Catching Santa was nominated to the Sunshine State Young Readers Award committee for consideration for 2014-2015 SSYRA List!

Accelerated Reader Quiz #150476 (BL: 4.5, Pts: 9, MG)

Awards:
2011 Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner (Children's/Juvenile Fiction)

Description:
High-tech gadgetry and ancient magic has done little to aid in the centuries old search for Santa's rogue assistant, Servant Rupert. But Servant Rupert has been searching for someone too –the fabled Pole, the one person who can see Santa. But the search hasn’t fared well for Servant Rupert. To make matters worse, his agents have contacted Santa’s forces wishing to defect. A risky plan is quickly set in motion by Santa’s Special Forces to divulge the location of Jakob Jablonski, the Pole, in hopes it will lead to the capture of Santa’s forever naughty helper. Wasting little time, Servant Rupert recklessly contacts Jakob.

In the ensuing mayhem Jakob is drawn into the mystery of Santa and his dastardly rogue assistant when proclaimed a Pole by Servant Rupert. He quickly demands that Jakob catch Santa...or he will turn everyone Jakob cares for into coal! Jakob and his band of friends, partnering with elf spies and rogue agents of Servant Rupert, begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot involving more than just catching Santa.

In his exquisitely written fantasy debut and 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner, David M. F. Powers, aka Marc Franco, creates an original yet simple world while staying true the traditions of Santa. Jakob's adventurous journey to self-acceptance of his destiny is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Praise:
"A fun quick read. Ending was provocative." -- Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh, NY

"Good action and a nice paced storyline will keep readers interested till the last page." – Williamsburg Public Library, Williamsburg, Iowa

“I think the book is going to be a best seller!” – Laura Brainard, NBCT, Library Media Specialist, Lakeview Middle School

“Catching Santa is now a very popular book in our media center and is being requested daily!” – Betsy Bernstein, Media Center Secretary, Nelson Elementary School

“The book is great.” – Todd Merrick, Owner, Heroes Landing Comics

“We haven't been able to keep the book on the library shelf!” – Susan Tkacik, School Media Specialist, Maniscalco Elementary

“I have currently finished your book Catching Santa which I thought was the greatest book ever!!” – Lydia Harrell, 6th grade student, Lakeview Middle School

“The copies of your book were scooped up as soon as they hit the shelf. Looking forward to the sequels.” – Teresa Nichols, Media Specialist, Neptune Elementary School

“The students are really enjoying the book. And so am I!” – Teresa McGrew, Library Media Specialist, Lake Whitney Elementary

“My class loves it!” – Michelle Schultes, Third Grade Teacher, Windermere Elementary

“the kids loved it...” – Joyanne Herdman, Media Specialist, Bailey Elementary School

“While Catching Santa sounds like a seasonal title, I have just finished reading it and know that it is more a fantasy adventure.” – Joy Price, Media Specialist, Gold Hill Elementary