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Phineas in Africa: The Sudan

by Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti

124 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #04-1727; ISBN 1-4120-3919-3; US$15.50, C$18.00, EUR13.00, £9.00

The practice of stealing women and children and enslaving them is something that none of our 12-year-old heroes dream still exists - until Phineas is captured by the enslaving raiders and the real adventure begins.

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About the Book      About the Author      Excerpts      Catalogue Information

About the Book

Phineas is back for another transmodulating adventure. It all began when 12-year-old Phineas J. Clooney's grandfather could not make it to California for her birthday. Instead, he sent a mysterious box with instructions NOT to open it until her two best friends are present. Phineas calls fellow explorers Jeff and Katie, and together they unwrap a handheld computer with a modem that can transport them around the world. Phineas discovers that her candy-making Grandfather is actually a secret agent and she and her friends are about to join his mission to help bring peace to the world!

Phineas, Jeff and Katie head back to Africa - this time to the Sudan - to dodge landmines and bring back another member for their International Children's Coalition for World Peace - a young Sudanese boy named Babo who lost his parents in a village raid some years back.

On their adventure they discover that slavery is still alive and flourishing in many parts of the world - including the Sudan. The practice of stealing women and children and enslaving them is something that none of them dreamed still existed - until Phineas is caught by the enslaving raiders and the real adventure begins.

The adventure continues as these young explorers set out, once again, to save the world - one child at a time. Their goal - to assemble a team of children from every country, culture and/or tribe in the world -- and form a coalition to help bring understanding, tolerance and peace to the world.

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About the Author

Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti is a middle-school Vice Principal who resides in California with her husband and two stepdaughters. With an MS in Psychology and an MS in Educational Technology she spends much of her spare time developing curriculum and software to aid challenged students. She has developed two standards-based curriculum website with modules for teachers and students to use.

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Excerpts

Chapter Nine

I, Phineas J. Clooney, am witnessing something I never dreamed possible. I, Phineas J. Clooney, have lived a very sheltered life. And I want to be sheltered again. But I can't. Not ever again, because now I have seen too much - because, now I have to make a difference.

I think of all of the secret agents I've ever heard of before. James Bond surfaces as my favorite. I wonder if James Bond ever missed his mom? I sure miss mine.

Finally, the camp quiets down. The air turns cold again. I look at my watch. It is well past midnight.

"It's now or never guys." I say.

"Give me the transmodulator," Katie says.

I hand her the transmodulator - the tiny transmodulator - a computer really - the computer capable of modeming people across the globe. It is our only way out of Africa.

"You guys run faster so I'll stay with the computer," she continues. Jeff you sneak into the tent. I've been watching. See that corner over there?" Katie points to the back corner closest to us. "It's loose. A kid's been poking his head out all day. You can probably squeeze under." She turns to me. "When he's under, Phineas, you run about halfway between me and the tent. Jeff, you need to scream when you're touching Babo."

"Then I'll push the remote. If I'm halfway between the transmodulator and you Jeff - it'll work on all of us." I add.

Katie takes out the transmodulator and fires it up. "Ready?" I ask.

Katie nods. Jeff sneaks away towards the tent.

We watch as he crawls under the green flap without any trouble. When his feet disappear I run to my spot in the center between him and Katie.

I wait for the scream. I want for the scream.

But the scream comes from me! It comes from me as I am blinded by a flashlight and grabbed from behind. It happens so fast that I can't push the remote.

I am in big trouble.

I kick and scream. I struggle to get free. Katie runs from out of the bushes - transmodulator in hand.

"Push the button!" She yells.

"I can't reach it!" I panic. "Use the red one on the transmodulator." We hear Jeff's signal.

I am biting and wiggling and frantically trying to get away! "I'm an American!" I yell. "You can't do this to me. I have rights. Those kids have rights."

I give one hard kick and am free. "Now!" I yell to Katie. Katie pushes the button - as the belt falls from my waist. It must have come loose in the fight.

I watch as Katie vanishes. I hear the surprised screams come from the tent and can only imagine that Jeff and Babo have disappeared as well.

I am all alone and captive in Africa. Suddenly, I am one of those frightened little girls.

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Catalogue Information

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