Author Nadine Haruni expands her ‘The Hat Diaries’ series

Children’s and teen author Nadine Haruni released a new book, adding on to her “The Hat Diaries” series. “The Hat Diaries: Escape from Adventure” is an action-packed third book in the trilogy.

The coming-of-age fantasy trilogy follows a 13-year-old Ryan Rigbee as he struggles with bullying and losing his dad. By day, he is a normal teenager, but by night, he can handle anything once he puts on his magic hat. He then transforms into the role of the hat wearer, as he becomes a firefighter, police officer, magician, etc.

Author Nadine Haruni joined “Arizona Horizon” to talk about her story and how she reaches young audiences, addressing topics including bullying, loss, fitting in, and more.

“…and then the third one, ‘Escape From the Adventure,’ the new release is the final conclusion ending in a big cliffhanger,” Haruni said.

The stories follow Rigbee and his mentor, Merlo, as they travel throughout time, going to major historical events, and learning more about the world around them.

“It’s really age eight through adults,” Haruni said, “…anybody who really kind of likes believing in the unbelievable, or want some kind of book that’s gonna take them away to another place. This book is for you.”

Haruni explained how she got the idea for the story when thinking about the idea of being someone else, even just for a day.

“I think a lot of us look at other people, and you think it’s better in that other person’s shoes,” Haruni said, “…so that was kind of the premise, and being able to sort of go somewhere else in your mind, and that’s what this book is really premised on…believing in yourself.”

Nadine Haruni also wrote a collection of children’s series called “Freeda the Frog,” helping children understand difficult situations. These stories teach children about divorce, moving, and losing a pet.