Kindle Edition Download to your Nook (eBook) Amazon Michael Thal Amazon Barnes and Noble Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Solstice Publishing ISBN-10:  1470135337 Type: Fiction Pages: 212 Copyright: February 26, 2012 ISBN-13: 9781470135331 Price: $0.99 (eBook) The Legend of Koolura shows the metamorphosis of a pre-teen girl with extraordinary psychic powers overcoming a stalker bent on her destruction. Koolura isn't an ordinary girl. She has what every child dreams of having - she has the COOL! The Legend of Koolura tells the story of this sixth grade Armenian girl and how she obtained the cool powers. She has the ability to dematerialize at will and rematerialize where she chooses. She can move objects with her mind and she can even defy gravity! The question is if these powers will be of any use in stopping a stalker intent on the destruction of Koolura and her friends.        Excerpt Every school has its stories and rumors. There are stories about popular teachers, or rumors about the principal. There are always tall tales about certain children that everyone tells, and tries their best to believe. Sometimes these stories take on a life of their own. Bethune Elementary was no different. Koolura arrived at Bethune to attend sixth grade. Some said she had magical powers. She could heal the wounded, outsmart a teacher, and even fly. She could erase the chalkboard by just staring at it, and she could read a student’s mind as if his thoughts were being announced over the public address system. It’s best not to give into such whim and fancy. Fantastic tales grow as legends do, by their retelling. A smart kid becomes a genius. A little second grader who can play a few notes on the piano is rumored to be another Beethoven. The facts need to be sorted through like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Here’s the true story of Koolura. This is what REALLY happened...

Midwest Book Review
In the "The Legend of Koolura" Michael Thal takes young readers on an adventure that couples magic super powers with the everyday life of intermediate grade students. Through his main character, Koolura Akopyan, a young sixth grade girl, Thal explores the complexities of school kid friendships, the adjustments needed to manage in today's multicultural classrooms and the importance of good values.

Koolura is a normal student at Bethune Elementary School. She experiences the same kinds of problems like the other students. She suffers through poor treatment by snooty girls, comforts a friend whose mother is going through cancer tests, and supports another whose parents are divorcing. She tutors students who can't read or do math. She worries about grades, tests and homework. Every young reader can identify with Koolura and her friends.

Koolura is also different from other students at Bethune because she has the "Cool." It gives her super powers. Sadly, it has also forced her to lead the life of a nomad. A treacherous stalker seeks to destroy her and steal the "Cool" for himself. Koolura's fearful father has moved her from place to place in an effort to keep her safe.

Koolura's use of her "Cool" to help her fellow students through their difficulties and her effort to keep one step ahead of Neb, her stalker, is what makes Thal's book an exciting experience for young readers.

Special note: I taught sixth grade and when I read Thal's vivid descriptions of school life, I thought I was back in the classroom again.

The Best Reviews
Koolura is in the sixth grade at Bethune Elementary. Mr. Major is impressed with her knowledge, Linda is jealous; Armine and Enrico think she's kool. Unknown to her friends, Koolura can vanish and reappear whenever she wants, she can move objects with her mind, and she can float up off the ground.

THE LEGEND OF KOOLURA is a wonderfully written book that tells the story of friendships, rejections, and of course, magic powers. Koolura and her story will keep your middle grade reader turning the pages. The dialogue will thrill them and they'll find themselves thinking about the realistic characters long after they've finished reading. I highly recommend THE LEGEND OF KOOLURA and Michael Thal as an author to label as a new favorite.


Vickie Britton
A mysterious happening at the time of eleven year old Koolura’s birth left her mother dead and gave Koolura “cool powers” that are growing every day. But a stalker is dead set on using his decoolorizer to take these powers away. After many relocations to evade this dangerous nemesis, Koolura decides to stand her ground.

School-age children will enjoy this original and highly entertaining story about a sixth grade Armenian girl. THE LEGEND OF KOOLURA blends real-life problems six graders may face such as moving and fitting in with an entertaining story about Koolura’s adventures. An inspiring and fun story for kids of all ages!