Fruit of the Vine

Book excerpt: DescriptionIn "Fruit of the Vine," we meet Justin, a sensitive, introspective boy whose physical features and personality make him a convenient target for many of his cruel peers. One night, he wakes to find himself on a mysterious island, which is inhabited by a horde of bizarre creatures. Despite his desperation to find out where he is and, more importantly, how to get home, he becomes involved in the plight of Irvino, a beast who is ostracized on this island much in the way that Justin is in his own world. The story ends with a twist as Justin, in helping Irvino, ends up helping himself by making a lifelong friend out of Irvino. In essence, the protagonist of ""Fruit of the Vine"" saves himself by saving his savior, but not in typical fashion. "Fruit of the Vine" is unique from other books in the fantasy genre in that it is meant not only for the grade school-aged fantasy reader, but also for anyone interested in the topic of bullies, and how altruistic qualities can develop in children. About the AuthorEllen Weisberg, 43, is a research scientist working in the field of leukemia. Her literary publications include the young adult novel, "Gathering Roses" (Chipmunkapublishing, 2007 Ellen has also co-authored and illustrated several children's geography books in collaboration with her husband, Ken Yoffe, 42, a pediatrician. Their geography series includes "All Across Canada" (Chipmunkapublishing, 2008), and "All Across China" (Chipmunkapublishing, 2009). Ellen and Ken are members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). They and their daughter, Emily, live in Nashua, NH.