Jake Rizzi has a new label adding to the challenges of growing up: ADHD. His parents and caring educators at school are helping him cope, but it still bothers him he is seen as different.

The story begins in the summer as Jake is dropped off at an aunt’s home in rural Oregon so his parents can take a much anticipated week long vacation. Jake doesn’t want to stay with a relative he barely knows.

Upon learning of Aunt Hettle’s passion to save the environment, Jake’s attitude changes . She also relates a story of a turtle with a ruby colored shell and an upcoming festival where people search for this supposedly mythical creature.

Social media has given the legend a new life and now people from all over the world will be attending in hopes of finding the turtle. Aunt Hettle is fearful that the masses will cause undoable damage to the precious land in the area.

Jake and his new friend Mia take on the responsibility to foil those looking for the turtle, especially after Jake discovers the turtle actually exists. It’s vital to keep the secret so the species is protected and not used for profit.

The third person narration stays close to Jake with several teasing chapters from the bad guy’s perspective. Insights into Jake’s way of thinking will bring understanding to both those living with the label of ADHD and others. It’s a fast paced adventure as it moves to a climatic ending and one that is certainly sequel worthy.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: RACE FOR THE RUBY TURTLE by Stephen Bramucci

1. The author speaks from experience from his own journey in dealing with ADHD. His heartfelt “Dear Reader” letter before the story begins is a must read.
2. The many points focusing on the environment and how digital misunderstandings lead to dead ends will bring about many beneficial discussions.
3. Jake’s italicized inner thoughts bring readers inside with what he deals with on a daily basis. Each thought adds more knowledge as to how ADHD effects the mind along with coping strategies.
4. The secondary characters aren’t just fill-ins to add pages to the story. They are all important from Mia (who not only tries to understand Jake but also has family troubles of her own) to the Swedish Adventure Brothers and the shady Texas Ranger.
5. Making space for unique and endangered creatures is a constant reminder we all need.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Bramucci is a novelist, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. He’s rowed down the Mekong River in a traditional Vietnamese x’ampan, ventured into the Outback with Aboriginal elders, and spent four months driving a rickety Nissan Patrol through East Africa. His first novel, The Danger Gang & the Pirates of Borneo!, was published by Bloomsbury on August 1st, 2017.

Steve’s story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the $10K Trazzler Oasis prize and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with French fry oil was turned into a TV show. He’s written for National Geographic Books, Afar, Outside, the Orange County Register Magazine, and dozens of other outlets. He’s the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com – a website that gets more than 20 million unique visitors each month – and has published stories in The Expeditioner’s Guide to the World, I Learned Ku Fu From a Bear Cub, Never Trust a Smiling Bear, and Eminem: Rap, Poetry, and Race.

For more about Steve visit his author website.

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