New middle grade book is out August 3, 2016. Sign of the Green Dragon. Alligators Overhead was my first try at a middle grade novel. It's about magick and some uniquely talented alligators. It has garnered praise from readers, and Kirkus Reviews gave it the thumbs up for adventure and an entertaining read. Here's what they said: "McKenzie pens a swampy middle-grade story full of humor, hauntings, quirky characters and a mystery that continues to develop to the very end... A short, fun story that will excite both young and old imaginations."This review and some reader encouragement sent me back to the computer, so I now have The Great Time Lock Disaster, Sequel to Alligators Overhead available.If you like my books I'd love it if you'd tell me so. If you have some helpful criticism, I'd love that, too! I'm a writer and a reader, but first I'm a learner. Contact me: http://cleemckenziebooks.com And there are always gifts for visitors.Double Negative (Evernight Teen 2014) is a book that turned me into an advocate for literacy. Sudden Secrets(Evernight Teen 2014) is my fourth young adult novel. I wrote Sliding on the Edge (WestSide Books 2009) after reading a news article about "self-abuse" among ivy league students. The Princess of Las Pulgas (WestSide Books 2010) deals with a young girl and her family. They have everything and suddenly nothing.As a native Californian, and after living a lot of different places in the world, landed back in my native state on the edge of a redwood forest. When I'm not writing or blogging I'm hiking or practicing yoga. Then there's that half acre of garden that needs a lot of love.