Author Description

The world is full of mysteries. What really happened to the dinosaurs? Is it possible for a person to burst into flames from the inside out? Can someone actually read your mind? Is Bigfoot real or not? Fact or fiction-people do not agree. Aden Williams' fifth grade class is assigned a research project on real-life mysteries. Aden just moved to Nevada, straight from Bigfoot country in California. Her choice of mystery is easy, but it's a choice she may live to regret. "Aden chose Bigfoot!" Chase said in a sing-song voice. "It's no wonder," Jake chimed in. "Look at the size of those Nikes!" "Yeah," Zach added before the teacher could stop him, "Maybe they're relatives. I think I see a family resemblance." The class rolled with laughter. Aden sunk into her chair. Her long legs bunched up under the desk. It wasn't the first time she had been teased, but it hurt just the same. Mr. Jensen's mouth went into a straight line. Aden's thoughts turned back to Bigfoot. She had heard every story the local people of Willow Creek told. She knew about the footprints and the sightings. The town was well-known for Bigfoot. Aden knew witnesses told of enormous footprints, attacks and even kidnappings. Bigfoot was real. She knew it. She just needed to prove it to the stupid nonbelievers in Room 206.