"A" Is for the Alchemist

Young Winnie and her brother Winslow find their brilliance and bravery tested when they face a mad scientist intent on turning base metal into gold –however many lives it costs.

Sisters and brothers. Cats and dogs. Science and sports. Rivals or allies? Author James Larson plunges into the madcap world of middle school with his new Winnie and Winslow Adventure series. The first book, “A” is for the Alchemist, introduces readers to twelve-year-old Winslow, who wants to do well in the upcoming football championship, and his brilliant kid sister, Winnie, who is finishing her sure-to-win entry for the national science contest—a robot designed with unique artificial intelligence that enables it to sing any and every piece of music. Unbeknownst to them, Winnie and Winslow’s brilliance and bravery are about to be tested by a mad scientist who will stop at nothing to master the art of turning base metal into gold. And he’s just discovered that Winnie’s robot holds the key to his formula. Joined by Cavalcade, the family cat, and Amulet, a cowardly homeless dog who dreams of being part of the family, too, Winnie and Winslow must set aside their differences and pool their resources if they have any hope of stopping the villainous alchemist before he kills anyone. A thrilling young-adult adventure that will keep you guessing—and laughing—from start to finish, you’ll be glad this is just the beginning.

James Larson holds a PhD, in theater from the University of Kansas. As an actor, he studied with the late Zbigniew Cynkutis and performed coast to coast with Megan Terry’s Magic Theatre. As a playwright, he received a Rockefeller grant and has had plays produced at venues such as the Wonderhorse in New York City and the Edinburgh Theater Festival. Before returning to the Midwest, Larson worked as an associate professor of theater and director of educational theater at NYU. Then, for twenty-eight years, he served as the artistic director of the Omaha Theater Company, where he initiated the educational, touring, and multicultural programs that exist today—and led the company to achieve the highest award in its field: the Sara Spencer Artistic Achievement Award. Now, with his novel “A” is for the Alchemist: A Winnie and Winslow Adventure, Larson adds young-adult fiction author to his long list of credits.