Trapped - by Bella Olson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

USA Today Bestseller

Ava's got brains, bravery . . . and a party-hat-wearing magic chicken. Good thing, too, because she'll need all three.

When eleven-year-old inventor Ava takes a wrong turn after school, she stumbles into a mysterious building that just happens to be run by an evil (and deeply odd) scientist named Dr. Heynis. Before she can say "bacon and cheese," Ava is locked in a cage, surrounded by strange traps, creepy clones, and a whole lot of questionable artifacts.

To escape, she'll have to outwit Dr. Heynis and his trio of not-so-bright henchmen using nothing but her imagination, her emergency BLT sandwich, and the lessons her parents taught her. Luckily, she is not alone. With the help of two new friends and Rocco, a magic chicken with great dance moves, Ava tries to make her way out of the facility filled with riddles, laser traps, time machines, a vicious puppy, and the occasional shark pool.

Fast-paced, hilarious, and packed with imagination, Trapped is the debut novel from eleven-year-old Bella Olson. Along the way, readers will find valuable lessons that parents will love and kids will enjoy--like how bravery doesn't always mean being fearless, how doing things while scared still counts, and best of all that weird is the new cool.

Ava's not just fighting for her freedom. She is discovering that being herself, quirks and all, is the most powerful escape of all.

Review Quotes

"Trapped succeeds at what many MG adventures aim for and don't always nail: it's fast, funny, high-concept, and still tender underneath. It celebrates imagination without mocking it, and it treats "being weird" as a form of strength--especially when the world tries to trap you into being smaller, quieter, and less yourself."
--Book Nerdection

"With Trapped, this young author delivers a charming, original, and laugh-out-loud debut. Don't miss the fun!"
--Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan

"The next twelve-year-old author is here--only this one isn't even twelve yet! Bella Olson takes us on a rollercoaster ride filled with memorable characters, wild twists, and above all, humor. Fasten your seatbelts!"
--Gordon Korman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Restart and Snoop

"Wow! I wish I wrote as well as Bella does when I was eleven years old!"
--Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library and The Smartest Kid in the Universe

"Trapped is a chaotic thrill ride, equal parts mystery, madness, and mayhem. Between the dancing dinosaurs and a Fruit Loop-throwing chicken, the imagination flies off the page, along with big laughs and an even bigger heart. Ms. Bella Olson has accomplished what most writers never achieve in a story with a fully actualized message: weird is the new cool! And she's only eleven years old! Mind officially blown!!"
--Carlos Saldanha, director of Academy Award-nominated film Ferdinand and Rio

"Witty, warm, and wildly inventive, Bella Olson's Trapped is a thrilling novel which, despite its author's tender years or perhaps because of them, lets so much new light in on the perennial themes of imagination and the power of friendship. This is a voice we will be hearing for many years to come--get in on the ground floor!"
--Charles Finch, author of the Charles Lenox series

"Bella has the coolest imagination!! Trapped is a story full of heart, adventure, and magic. It reminds us that being weird, brave, and--most importantly--yourself is the best kind of superpower. Thank you for spreading your art with the world Bella. I'm a huge fan of Rocco!"
--Anna Altamirano, cohost of the Anna & Erin YouTube channel

"What better way to capture childhood curiosity and adventure than through someone who embodies both so completely? Trapped hooks you from the very first page. It's hilarious, charming, and delightfully unpredictable. It's the kind of story I wish I'd had as a child, and I'm overjoyed to have it now."
--Erin Degan, cohost of the Anna & Erin YouTube channel

"What could be more exciting and inspiring for a young reader than diving into a fictional world conjured by one of their peers? Bella Olson's debut, Trapped, is a thrilling adventure that's equal parts suspenseful and laugh-out-loud funny. This wildly imaginative tale delivers everything you could want in a middle grade novel, with the added bonus of a refreshingly authentic voice that young readers will instantly connect with."
--Nathalie Theodore, award-winning author of If the Stars Align

"Bella's creativity and captivating imagination leap off the pages of this incredible book. As a fellow children's book author, I am also excited to witness the creativity of other book lovers, especially young authors. Bella did not disappoint! Brava and job well done. I can't wait for the next read."
--Samantha Chatman, ABC 7 Chicago news anchor and author of Mia Gets Sick, But Doesn't Quit

"I've always suspected there was a connection between diversity and creativity. The book by young author Bella Olson is proof of that connection. A Brazilian-American girl with a restless spirit, a multicultural background, and full bilingual fluency has crafted an adventure story that is not only electrifying and imaginative, but also infused with a deep passion for the world in all its vast diversity. It's an adventure of marveling at new landscapes, overcoming obstacles with perseverance and with the help of friendship, one of humanity's truly magical capacities. An engaging narrative that will captivate children and move adults."
--Benoni Belli, ambassador of Brazil to the OAS and former consul general of Brazil in Chicago

"Trapped is bursting with imagination, humor, and heart. Bella Olson's authentic young voice makes this adventure feel fresh and real. Kids will see themselves in Ava and race through every twist, puzzle, and peril. With a fearless and smart heroine and cast of colorful characters, Trapped empowers readers to believe in their own creativity."
--Carol D. Lee, PhD, Edwina S. Tarry professor emerita at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy and member of the National Academy of Education

"A-door-able! A true page-turner. Trapped is a playful exploration of children's creativity and cognition. Bella Olson captures the spirit of curiosity that drives both science and storytelling, reminding readers that problem-solving and imagination are two sides of the same door."
--Doug Medin, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology and education at Northwestern University and member of the National Academy of Sciences

"Written by a young author, Trapped brings an authentic voice to a landscape often shaped by adult imagination. Ava's inventive escape invites readers to question power while practicing the habits of resilience and creativity championed through critical literacy and social-emotional learning. A playful, thought-provoking text for ELA or STEM classrooms committed to honoring student imagination as a force for inquiry and change."
--Cati V. de los Ríos, PhD, associate professor of education at the University of California, Berkeley

"This is a terrific middle grade book written by an actual middle grade writer. It's a fast-paced mystery with a narrator who is funny and real. It's really a perfect package for any young reader who wants to dive into a great story."
--Sarah Levine, faculty at Stanford Graduate School of Education

"Bella Olson is a Superkid in every sense: brave, quirky, creative, and full of heart. Trapped is more than an adventure story; it's a celebration of what's possible when kids use their voice, face their fears, and believe they belong, just as they are."
--Dayna Abraham, national board-certified educator and author of Calm the Chaos and The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day

"Sweet Bella started writing this book at just seven years old. Funny, fast-paced, and full of heart, Trapped is a wildly creative adventure bursting with mystery, mayhem, and a Fruit Loop-firing chicken named Rocco. Written by a kid, for kids, it celebrates bravery, weirdness, and the power of showing up even when you're scared. Parents, you'll love it, too."
--Kimberley "Real Talk Kim" Jones, author of Unstuck and pastor

"Trapped is an inventive, heart-racing adventure that captures the wonder, humor, and courage of childhood curiosity. Bella Olson writes with a cinematic touch; each twist, trap, and moment of bravery feels alive on the page. Young readers will cheer for Ava, and adults will remember what it's like to believe that imagination can save the day."
--Chris Schembra, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times

About the Author

Bella Olson is the 11-year-old founder of Avocado Awesomeness, a YouTube channel dedicated to all things fun, creative, and just a little bit extra. Bella is a SLAY Brazilian-American fluent in both Portuguese and English. A musical theater enthusiast, she has brought characters to life in The Lion King, Descendants, Matilda, and many more--and she can perform the Hamilton soundtrack start to finish without missing a beat