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In a dream she discovered a crystal skull in a cave. That dream has taken form and expanded into two novels for young people linking adventurous kids to a Lemurian enclave inside Mount Shasta.

Sally spent many years immersed in children’s literature as an elementary school teacher. The Cave of the Crystal Skull and The Guardian of the Crystal Skull are her enthusiastic contribution.

When not reading or writing, Sally can be found playing pickleball badly or trying to keep peace between her exuberant dog and two older cats.

Reviews for Sally’s Book The Cave of The Crystal Skull

This is an excellent book for anyone – though its intended audience is probably 4th – 7th grade. I learned a lot about crystal skulls while sailing through the moving, fast-paced story. The descriptions of middle school interactions are right-on accurate – I taught middle school for many years and love that age group! A page-turner with subtle insights into the character’s hearts and minds. Even the minor characters (Mom, Dad, etc.) are fleshed out and knowable. Really liked the story, hoping for a sequel – and will promote the book within our library system as well as in book talks. — Afinov

Five Stars! This is a compelling read! From word one The cave of the Crystal Skull flies like a bullet toward its exciting conclusion. Landaker is not an author who enjoys typing and piling up words for the love of word count. You won’t have an urge to skip any of this book. Every word is necessary to move story. And the story moves and is moving, interweaving the supernatural/magical world with the everyday to bring about that suspension of disbelief that shakes even skeptics like me. Look Inside and see what I mean. — Bob Anderson

Five Stars! This is a page turner! This is a young-adult chapter book by a first-time author. The protagonists, boy and girl, find a cave with a crystal skull having powers that they slowly uncover. It’s adventure, and mystery. It’s beautifully written by a former teacher who knows kids well. It moves along briskly, as they unravel the skull’s powers and put them to vital use. Highly recommended. I’m looking forward to the planned sequel, because the cave has other denizens, of whom we now have only hints. — Wanda Gust

Four Stars! Great adventure for the young reader. I was impressed with the lore involving the area involved in the story. It is well written and will keep the young reader enchanted with mysterious adventure. I decided to purchase a paper version of the book for my Grandchildren.  Congratulations Ms. Landaker in a job well done. I look forward to a sequel — Hammar

Five Stars! Excellent! This book was so much fun to read from beginning to end. It is filled with mystery and adventure, along with a heart-warming task. The characters are strong and believable. It is perfect for young readers, but this 60 year old loved it, too. It immediately transported me to my youth along with all the wonders of life. Thank you Sally Landaker. I can’t wait for the sequel! — Melinda Field

Five Stars! Sure to become a classic! This story sparkles with adventure and mystery. A passage into other worlds, Sonya’s journey is unforgettable. Full of twisted underground caverns, strange bubbling mud and a glowing crystal skull, Sonya and her cousin Eric’s lives drastically change forever when they discover the cave up on Black Mountain near Sonya’s home.My nieces and nephews and grandchildren are anxiously waiting for the sequel…a fabulous gift for middle schoolers, this tale will encourage exciting conversations between kids and their parents.I give this five stars! — Irene Carver

Five Stars! A gripping adventure story with an otherworldly touch. — Norma J Anderson

Twelve year old Sonia and her cousin Eric discover a cave in the mountains. They are excited and decide to go in. But there are secrets that even a reader like me, an 11 year old girl who loves to read adventure books, cannot comprehend. In this book, you will find no “bad guys”, the first known human civilization, Lemuria, and a glowing blue crystal skull that heals mind and body. But when you journey deeper into the cave, there are even stranger things past the crystal skull. This book is riveting, breathtaking, and completely new. Journey past the crystal skull & meet your past, present and future. This so needs to be a series! Please, Please, Please, Please, Please! Sequel. Sequel. Sequel. — Ariel Hernandez

5 Stars! Nicely engaging. I know the author and purchased this to support a local author. I was taken in by the story and I’m an adult. I like the history, the mysticism and the happy ending for the sick Jeremy. I look very forward to the sequel to see how she takes on more of her past life and powers granted by Zura. Great job. — RMDY

Five Stars! Worth the read! I bought this for the grandkids but as always, read it first. I really enjoyed the pace of the story and the character development. Perfect for the young teen. Looking forward to the sequel. — Mrkto

Five Stars! A great gift! But read first. Fabulous read for all. I sent copies to all of my nieces for Christmas.Sonia is a great protagonist, intelligent, curious and stubborn enough to be a believable teen. The mystery is the kind of story that will stick with any reader long after the last page is read. I hope there is a sequel. And soon! — Jayares12