Book excerpt: In this historical fiction-meets-fantasy novel by award-winning author Jane Yolen, readers 8-12 will experience a world where a young boy with nothing but questions may have the only answer to solving a unicorn infestation at a medieval abbey. With humor, heart, and an empowering twist at the end, this book is perfect for Yolen fans and anyone who wants to make their voice heard. When young James asks one too many questions, his mother and uncle hope an education at Cranford Abbey will make him a proper noble—but when James arrives, the monks there are most interested in keeping the unicorns in the orchard from eating all the prized golden apples they need to save the abbey. Abbot Aelian thinks he knows how to defeat the ravenous unicorns, though it may actually be up to James to use his inquisitive mind to find a way to save Cranford Abbey and hopefully find a way to return home. A Plague of Unicorns: Features original, detailed illustrations that help bring the story to life Has short, engaging chapters and a print size perfect for reluctant readers Will appeal to lovers of unicorns, fairy tales, and books by authors like Avi and Karen Cushman Helps empower readers 8 to 12 feel like their voice matters, no matter who they are