Special to Gulf Coast Newspapers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Ted Dunagan, winner of the Georgia Author of the YearAward 2009 in the Young Adult category for his novel "A Yellow Watermelon," follows that acclaimed debut with Secret of the Satilfa. The further adventures of Ted Dillon and Poudlum Robinson focus on the evolving friendship between the two boys, one white and one black, whose teamwork once again succeeds in standing up to evil forces that disturb life in their small town.retailers, or from NewSouth Books, online at www.newsouthbooks.com or call 334-834-3556. ISBN: 978-1-58838-249-8 Trade cloth, $21.95

An overnight fishing expedition turns into an adventure complete with mystery whentwo bank robbers on the run happen upon Ted and Poudlum's camping spot on the banks of the Satilfa Creek. Before leaving the boys bound under a bridge, the robberslet slip the cryptic clue that the stolen money is “wet but it's dry, it’s deep but it’s nearby.” Using their wits to escape, the young friends return home harboring questions: Will the robbers be caught? Can the stolen money be found, allowing the boys to claim the reward offered by the bank?

Peppered with vignettes of rural Southern life during the 1940s, "Secret of the Satilfa" recreates a time when life was simpler, but when society had yet to face the ramifications of racial segregation. Young Ted's questioning of why he and Poudlum attend separate schools must go unanswered, while the boys imagine a future in which such barriers will finally be dismantled.

The author will make the following stops in Baldwin County:

Oct. 13, Fairhope Public Library

Oct. 14, Fairhope Middle School and Page & Palette

Oct. 20, Gulf Shores Elementary School

Oct. 21, Gulf Shores Middle School

Oct. 22, Orange Beach Public Library

Secrect of the Satilfa will be available for sale through local bookstores, chain/online