Hippomobile! (Hardcover)
There are many stories about kid crusaders who save something, but none like this one. With steampunk, tall tale, and just plain silly elements, the story of how ten-year-old twins Jimmy and Stella found out about the unique vehicle called the hippomobile, learned its history, and then used it to rescue their beloved town of Wymore is an original variant on a tried and true theme. A cast of wildly eccentric characters, most of whom are the twins' forty-seven grandmas and grandpas; a liberal sprinkling of diner slang and odd colloquial phrases, many explained in footnotes; and a sense that the events described never took place but could have are among the surprising ingredients of this unconventional creation. The fact that there really was a hippomobile with its own history doesn't interfere with the fun.
"Pitch-perfect description and dialogue. . . A rousing adventure with double the heart."
—Kirkus, starred review
"Tapia's first book for younger readers creates a tapestry rich with characters whose language is as unique as the townspeople themselves. . . A story that children will find delightfully engaging."
—School Library Journal
"Tapia creates a smart and hilarious story likely to engage a wide range of middle-grade readers."
—Booklist Online —