Words that found their readers.

Historical fiction

What Longfellow Heard

2018 Maine Literary Awards finalist for fiction

“I really liked it. Henry comes vibrantly to life in these pages, and the way Nappa massages in Longfellow’s poetry and writing process is very deft.”

Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls

“Jon Nappa’s Longfellow is remarkable. The book does an amazing job of humanizing Henry. It works brilliantly.”

SHAYE AREHEART, PUBLISHER OF THE SHAYE AREHEART IMPRINT OF CROWN BOOKS, 5/5

“The captivating historical novel covers the nineteenth-century life and poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.”

Foreword Clarion Reviews, 4/5

Historical fiction

Storm Survivors

“Nappa’s prose is at its lyrical best in this book. His rhythm and the British voice he captures are hypnotizing. As always, his action scenes are tremendously done. But I think Nappa may have outdone even himself in the climactic pages of the novel. When Fletcher comes calling and that amazing series of incidents occur, I was absolutely mesmerized.”

Jeff Gerke, Marcher Lord Press, 5/5

Fantasy adventure

The Logbooks of Admiral Jake

“An immersive conclusion to an exciting book in which new realities are created, shifted, and realigned.”

Klay Dyer, Foreword Clarion Reviews, 4/5

“The Logbooks of Admiral Jake demands attention, rewards introspection, and offers something rare in the genre: a genuine sense of spiritual mystery and moral mythos.”

E. V. Marlowe, The Young Mythographer Reader, 5/5

“Nappa makes it clear he did his homework, and his prowess with language is in full display in this genuinely fun YA novel.”

The 2020 BookLife Prize, 5/5

Children’s picture book

The Tug the Heart Picture Books

“A clear and focused children’s collection that’s designed to reinforce good values.”

Mike Good, Foreword Clarion Reviews, 4/5

“The book is filled with awesome encouragement to children but the one about coping with loss is one of the best picture book poems we’ve ever read to our kids. Highly recommended.”

Ginny Beckham, 5/5

“This has to be the sweetest picture book we ever bought for our children. Simply lovely.”

Verified Reader, 5/5

Children’s picture book

Seaweed McTweed

“A powerful picture book about the anxiety of not fitting in, and the power of friendship to save the day.”

George Hajjar, Foreword Clarion Reviews, 4/5