The Thief

"I can steal anything." So declares Gen, the hero of the Newbery Honor Book The Thief—an exciting adventure fantasy set in a mythical land rich with intrigue. Gen's bragging lands him in prison . . . but then the king's magus needs the thief's skill for a near-impossible task: to steal a priceless magical jewel from a faraway land. "In addition to its charismatic hero, this story possesses one of the most valuable treasures of all—a twinkling jewel of a surprise ending," wrote Publishers Weekly in a starred review.

The first of six planned books set in Gen's world, The Thief was an ALA Best Book of the Year as well as a Newbery Honor Book. School Library Journal said, "YAs who like snide, quick-tempered, softhearted heroes will love Gen," and Kirkus Reviews called it "an uplifting book, a literary journey that enriches both its characters and readers."