DartFrog Books releases Mike Magluilo YA novel Undiscovered Country

DartFrog Books has released Undiscovered Country, a young adult novel by Vermont author Mike Magluilo, on July 28, 2026. The book mixes coming-of-age fiction and magical realism to explore grief, neurodivergence, family expectations and identity in small-town Vermont.

Why it matters: - Undiscovered Country targets both teen readers and adults who follow coming-of-age fiction. - The novel centers grief, neurodivergence and family expectations, themes that can resonate with young readers, parents, teachers and book clubs. - Midwest Book Review described the book as “powerful” and a “standout,” giving it outside validation ahead of broader readership.

What happened: - DartFrog Books released Undiscovered Country, a new young adult novel by award-winning Vermont author Mike Magluilo, on July 28, 2026. - The novel is set in the fictional small town of Hamlet, Vermont. - The book blends coming-of-age fiction with magical realism. - DartFrog Books positioned the novel as recommended for readers ages 15 and older.

The details: - The story follows teenager Imogen “Bissie” after she buries her brother Jeremy. - Bissie finds an injured turtle and becomes determined to save it. - The turtle becomes a focal point for Bissie as her life feels like it is coming apart. - Jeremy’s neurodivergence and his desire to become someone else strained the family long before his death. - Bissie was Jeremy’s advocate and ally. - At school, Bissie is known as “the girl with the dead brother.” - Bissie’s competitive swimming is faltering. - Bissie’s friendship with Savannah, who carries family trauma of her own, draws unwanted attention in the small Vermont town. - Turtle begins appearing in Bissie’s dreams. - A box containing Jeremy’s secret sketchbooks forces Bissie to reconsider what she thought she knew about her brother, her family, friendship and intimacy. - The novel also examines the expectations people place on one another in the name of love. - Midwest Book Review said the book blends magical realism into a story that develops in unexpected ways for YA readers at this age level. - The review also highlighted the book’s environmental observation and coming-of-age storytelling. - Gordon McClellan, founder and publisher of DartFrog Books, said the novel respects the intelligence and emotional complexity of its readers. - McClellan also said the book is funny, painful, surprising and deeply human. - McClellan said the story raises questions about grief, identity, neurodivergence and family expectations without telling readers what to think. - Magluilo uses humor, tenderness, small-town Vermont settings and Turtle’s unsettling wisdom to explore acceptance and loss. - Book information lists the novel at 258 pages with a 5.5 x 8.5 inch trim size. - The hardcover ISBN is 978-1-965253-83-0. - The paperback ISBN is 978-1-965253-84-7. - The ebook ISBN is 978-1-965253-85-4. - The LCCN is 2026933359.

Between the lines: - The book uses a rescue plot and a dreamlike animal figure to frame a story about mourning and identity. - The focus on neurodivergence and family misunderstanding gives the novel a more specific emotional center than a standard YA grief narrative. - The Midwest Book Review praise suggests the novel may appeal to readers looking for literary YA with discussion value.

What's next: - DartFrog Books is likely to market the novel to young adult readers, adult readers of coming-of-age fiction, and book clubs. - The publisher’s endorsement and the review quotes may help drive classroom and discussion-group interest. - Magluilo’s prior recognition, including a 2024 Silver Medal from the Independent Publishers of New England for A Reason to Run, may support additional attention for the new release.

The bottom line: - Undiscovered Country arrives as a reflective YA novel built around grief, neurodivergence and acceptance, with early praise framing it as a strong discussion book.