Misadventures of Growing Up
Lost in Bone Cave follows a girl and her scientist father on an underground research adventure that turns her curiosity into newfound courage. Where did the idea for this story come from?
In my much younger years, we enjoyed exploring Bone Cave from the entrance inside an abandoned quarry outside Lewisburg, WV. I can assure you, the details in the pinch are quite true! I can remember wondering if the cave crawl would ever end, and the feeling of freedom you got from just getting to stand up. Almost every chapter in each book I write comes from adventures I’ve taken.
Were you a fan of adventure series as a middle-grade reader? What were some of your favorites?
I was a reader of different types of adventures. I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder and read every book in the series multiple times. Of course, C.S. Lewis and his chronicles were a favorite. For dealing with the misadventures of growing up, I’d turn to Judy Blume.
I appreciated the incorporation of educational elements into Syd’s story. What was your research process as you prepared to write this installment of the series?
Each book I write addresses a challenge our world is facing due to environmental change and its impacts. The Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia has a story about a bat named Lucy (my blue heeler’s name) who has White Nose Syndrome. I was hooked and wanted to know more about the deadly impacts of this disease. This was also just five years post-COVID, when we all had strong memories of breathing through a mask. It all fell into place that this would be the cause my book would hopefully draw attention to.
Where will Syd take readers in the next book? When can we look forward to seeing it released?
Book #4 in the Adventures of Syd will be released in fall 2026….Rescue on Tangier Island! Syd and her dad are off to help a fellow scientist who is working with crabbers on Tangier Island. What they don’t know when they head across the bay is that not all on the island want company, or that they will be tasked with the rescue of a furry friend.
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In addition to introducing mechanical equipment and skills needed for spelunking, the story serves as a reminder of our impact on the environment and how we can be more considerate stewards of our surroundings. Vandalism is seen, and Syd is conscientious about the glow sticks she has left on the cave floor that could be littering. Readers are introduced to a caving map legend, various cave features, cave formations, and STREAM (reading added) challenge at the end.
Posted on February 15, 2026, in Interviews and tagged action, adventure, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Children's Action & Adventure Books, childrens books, Danielle Simone, ebook, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Lost in Bone Cave, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, realistic fiction, story, writer, writing. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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