Samantha M Clark has always loved stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. After all, if four ordinary brothers and sisters can find a magical world at the back of a wardrobe, why can’t she? While she looks for her real-life Narnia, she writes about other ordinary children and teens who’ve stumbled into a wardrobe of their own. Samantha is the author of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST (2018, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster) and ARROW (June 22, 2021, Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster), but in a past life, she was a photojournalist and managing editor for newspapers and magazines. She has lived in a land of rainforests, the land of the Queen, two Caribbean islands, and now lives with her husband and two kooky dogs in Austin, Texas (the land of the weird). Samantha is the Regional Advisor for the Austin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and explores wardrobes every chance she gets. Sign up for news and giveaways at www.SamanthaMClark.com.
About THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST
Described as The Graveyard Book meets Hatchet, this eerie novel tells the story of a boy who is stranded on a mysterious beach, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he gathers all his courage and follows it in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home.
This gripping adventure will have readers hooked until its jaw-dropping and moving conclusion. Samantha M Clark’s first novel heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice.
Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster Children’s Books
ISBN 9781534412552 (hardcover), 9781534412576 (ebook)
Praise for THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST
“Clark writes with a lyrical and appealing rhythm, as she viscerally explores childhood emotions of fear and anxiety” ~Publishers Weekly
“An unforgettable, life-affirming tale.” ~ALA Booklist
“A poignant story.” ~School Library Journal
“This first novel from Clark offers unusual imaginative and emotion-driven introspection” ~Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Lyrical and hauntingly beautiful, this is a story for everyone who’s had to learn to face their fears.” ~Jennifer A. Nielsen, author of THE FALSE PRINCE series
“[The boy]’s struggle to overcome his life-threatening fears illuminate how difficult it is to navigate the seas of growing up. His victory is a victory for all of us.” ~Kathi Appelt, National Book Award Finalist and Newbery Honor-winning author of THE UNDERNEATH
“[A] well-crafted mystery thriller.” ~Susan Vaught, Edgar Award-winning author of FOOTER DAVIS PROBABLY IS CRAZY
“A vivid tale in which metaphor, symbolism, and descriptive language weaves a story about a classic human experience—summoning courage while consumed with fear. It is a story that readers of all ages can enjoy and relate to.” ~Bonnie Thomas LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist and author of CREATIVE COPING SKILLS FOR CHILDREN
“THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST is part action-adventure, part dreamy allegory—a painful, beautiful, and mysterious read.” ~Liz Garton Scanlon, author of THE GREAT GOOD SUMMER
“Masterful storytelling.” ~Bethany Hegedus, author of GRANDFATHER GANDHI
“Lyrical and evocative” ~Janet Fox, author of THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE
“An enchanting exploration of the power that resides in the stories we tell ourselves, and how we can change those stories… Heart-wrenching and hope-filled.” ~Nikki Loftin, author of THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY
“A page-turner of a mystery with a profoundly satisfying conclusion. A book for any child—or adult—who’s ever had to fight with fear.” ~Katherine Catmull, author of SUMMER AND BIRD
Author Visits and Presentations
Samantha M Clark has inspired students, young and older, through Skype Q&As, author visits at schools and at events including the Texas Library Association convention and the Texas Book Festival.
Samantha’s author visit “helped students connect books and stories to real people. They were able to see how life experience can be used to make an impact as a writer and turn negatives experiences into a positive outcome.” ~Amy Colicher, Librarian, Ada Faubion Elementary in Cedar Park, TX
Contact Samantha about available dates and rates:
Spooky Middle Grade 