Young Zorro: The Iron Brand

"This is a really colourful and well-crafted adventure in the old style. . . All in all it's a slice of history that's a joy to read. Thoroughly enjoyable romp . . ." - Gateway Weekly Supplement, Nov. 5, 2005

Sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains surrounding the Pueblo de Los Angeles, wealthy Spanish caballeros live side by side with Native Americans. One boy with both Spanish and Indian blood belongs to both worlds. He is Diego de la Vega, who will one day wear the mask of Zorro.

As a boy Diego is more concerned with riding horses and making mischief with his best friend, Bernardo, than about fighting injustice. But when men start disappearing from the pueblo of Los Angeles and cattle are missing from Diego's father's rancho, Diego and Bernardo encounter an injustice so wicked that they must take action.

Inspired by Isabel Allende's novel Zorro, which reveals how Diego de la Vega became the legendary masked hero, Young Zorro: The Iron Brand introduces readers to a land of vaqueros and kidnappers -- an exciting world in which a young hero is formed.

About the Author:

Jan Adkins has written, illustrated, and designed thirty-six books. He has also art-directed magazines, written TV scripts, and taught design at the college level. He lives on a horse ranch in Novato, California.

His most recent book, What if you Met a Pirate (Roaring Book Press), received starred reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal and is being following with What if You Met a Knight. In addition to researching his second Young Zorro novel Jan is writing a book for youth on the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

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