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 the Adventure” is an action-packed third book in the trilogy.

The coming-of-age fantasy trilogy follows 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.

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

“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 wants 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 while 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.”

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