Firedust — Katherine Emmons

A BAD DAY... GETS WORSE Josh Bronsky is whisked off to the world of Lumira in a dune buggy stolen right out of the school parking lot. His accomplice is the stubborn Isabel, better known as the Sock Princess. This whole fiasco is her fault. A strange man warns Josh about an upcoming battle, and tells him about the firedust, dragon-skin, and other magical things that Josh needs to heroically defeat an evil agent. But Josh doesn't believe in magic. He doesn't want any of this hero business. He just wants to get home. When a thief steals the dune buggy, Josh is forced into hard labor. Can he and Isabel overcome captivity, blisters, bad food, and mutual dislike so they can stop the evil plans? Firedust is ideal for children ages 8-12, but has appealed to younger children and grown-ups, too. Readers get caught up in the adventure of Josh Bronsky, and can relate to his ordinary struggles, in a very extraordinary location.