The Crystal Connection

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

The girls of the Science Squad are back, and they're in the middle of the biggest mystery yet! When Sue's Aunt Rose invites the three girls to visit her on Vancouver Island for the last week of summer vacation, it seems like the trip will be a nice break. Nicole, Gina, and Sue are eager to explore the old-growth forests near Tofino, go mountain biking, and maybe even try surfing. But Rose has just inherited 50 hectares of forested land from her uncle, a renowned smuggler and notorious practical joker. When Rose's new friend, Tyler, starts acting suspiciously, the girls begin to think there's more at stake than just an old cabin in the middle of the woods. Using their knowledge of science, the girls reveal a series of clues in the mysterious will. But can they solve the puzzle of the smuggler's secret before it's too late? Tanya Lloyd Kyi and the Canadian Association of Girls in Science (CAGIS) team up to deliver the second book in the Science Squad Adventure series. This mystery contains non-fiction sidebars and experiments that can be done at home with everyday objects on such diverse topics as light refraction, and orienteering.

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Tanya writes both fiction and non-fiction, often choosing topics related to science, pop culture, or social history—or a combination of the three. She enjoys combining factual research with intriguing narratives, or the life stories of interesting folks.

In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.

Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.