"This cozy story weaves Christian themes of faith and friendship into a slow-burn mystery with spots of humor and drama. Everts develops the large, racially diverse cast of characters through strong dialogue that propels the plot." — Kirkus Reviews

"This earnest caper by Everts imagines a world in which adolescent hormones trigger not just emotional overdrive but empathic superpowers....Everts demonstrates how people can grow emotionally and spiritually through hardship, and delves into the affirming power of friendship and belonging." — Publishers Weekly

What if you could see things no one else could?

Meet Oscar, a new kid navigating life in a new town, at a new school, with no friends to lean on. Just as he's decided to shuffle his way through freshman year and settle for lonely lunches on the football bleachers, something extraordinary happens—Oscar begins to see glowing orbs that no one else can see. Confused and curious, he soon discovers he's not the only one at his school with a mysterious power.

When chaos disrupts Centerville High, Oscar finds himself in the middle of an eclectic group of kids who all want answers...and are eager to take action! These zealous teen journalists and amateur detectives include other "Sensates"—kids like Oscar who have unique powers. No longer alone, Oscar discovers that those orbs he's been seeing might just be put to good use.

Join Oscar as he untangles his own mysteries of friendship and faith, and learns that overcoming his deepest fears will require tapping into a Power greater than his own.

A Middle-Grade Adventure Full of Courage and Connection

Packed with mystery and heartfelt themes of friendship and faith, Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs is a perfect coming-of-age story for middle-grade readers who love detective adventures and stories that inspire curiosity about the unseen marvels in everyday life. Perfect for fans of The Wingfeather Saga and The Sherlock Society, in this book you'll discover a world of wonder, courage, and connection with Oscar and his friends.

Share this book with your young reader to spark their imagination and inspire meaningful conversations about faith, friendship, and the mysteries that surround us all!

About the Series

Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs is the first of three books in The Sensate Saga, a series exploring everyday mysteries and reminding us that there is always more going on than any of us can see.



Don Everts is the senior pastor at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, and has been serving in ministry for over thirty years—on campus with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and in the local church with the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. He is also an award-winning author who has published over twenty books including Jesus with Dirty Feet, I Once Was Lost, and The Spiritually Vibrant Home. An avid reader, frequenter of rocking chairs, and amateur chicken farmer, Don and his wife, Wendy, have three adult children and live in a home solidly built in 1887.



Part 1: Oscar



1. Oscar climbs the steepest steps



2. Oscar gets dragged across the state



3. Oscar goes to high school



4. Oscar sees the impossible



5. Oscar gazes at his greatest fear



6. Oscar discovers (and loves!) bagpipes



7. Oscar gets a lesson in deadly history



8. Oscar weathers multiple attacks



9. Oscar steps on a twig



10. Oscar frightens his Abuela



11. Oscar discovers his (subtle) superpower



12. Oscar draws his sword

Part 2: Bubbles



13. Oscar joins the fourth estate



14. Oscar falls down the rabbit hole



15. Oscar is given a nickname



16. Oscar wakes up in a new world



17. Oscar is (sort of) on the case



18. Oscar gets trapped



19. Oscar hears a clanging sound



20. Oscar learns about British variants



21. Oscar experiences drama at the Mudhouse



22. Oscar digs with a toothbrush



23. Oscar meets the guidance counselor



24. Oscar hits a dead end

Part 3: Artifact



25. Oscar has a crazy idea



26. Oscar learns the mechanics of miracles



27. Oscar has a taco and a brave conversation



28. Oscar survives the morning after



29. Oscar runs at full speed



30. Oscar holds a miracle in his hands



31. Oscar enjoys dancing