Hex Allen

Ages 8 to 14

STEM meets magic in this new middle grade adventure series from an MIT graduate. Hex Allen can't do magic — a huge problem when everything from lights to locks is powered by simple spells that everyone (save a few unfortunate “undevelopeds”) can do. After years of feeling useless, Hex sees opportunity to change her future when a once-in-a-century opportunity to journey to the Wishing Wyrm, a legendary dragon that has the ability to grant a single wish opens up. Unfortunately, Hex isn't the only one after the wish, and every rival wish hunter has magic on their side. Every rival except the Clanksmiths, Cam and Fuse. Like Hex, they can't do magic, but they've learned to build clank, creations made using the mysterious, forgotten arts of science and engineering. After a fairy fiasco throws Hex and the Clanksmiths together, they agree to cooperate—for the time being. With the Clanksmiths' know-how and Hex's creativity, they outsmart monsters with everything from LEDs to electromagnets to water balloon launchers. But as they race to the Wishing Wyrm, Hex must decide between her friendship with the Clanksmiths and the wish that would give her a normal, magical life. Pages from Hex's design notebook provide step-by-step project instructions for aspiring Clanksmiths.

About the Author

JASMINE FLORENTINE likes to make stuff. In the past, this has encompassed everything from designing games for robots, building a milk dehydrator, drawing cartoons, and most recently, writing a book. She has a BS and an MS from MIT in Mechanical Engineering, and is passionate about showing everyone how amazing STEM is. Hex Allen and The Clanksmiths is her first book.

EBONY GLENN is a children's book illustrator who enjoys bringing stories to life with whimsical and expressive imagery. A passion for the arts, great storytelling, and advocating for more diverse narratives in children's books, she aims to create art that will foster a love of reading in young readers.