Brandon Mull, Grip of the Shadow Plague

"Wasn't that awesome" Seth asked. Warren cocked his head, his expression mildly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Kendra--it was pretty cool."All boys belong in insane asylums," Kendra said."

"Are you missing the library again" Seth asked, startling her as he walked into the room. Kendra turned to face her brother. "You caught me," she congratulated him. "I'm reading."I bet the librarians back home are panicking. Summer vacation, and no Kendra Sorenson to keep them in business. Have they been sending you letters"Might not hurt you to pick up a book, just as an experiment."Whatever. I looked up the definition for 'nerd' in the dictionary. Know what it said"I bet you'll tell me." 'If you're reading this, you are one.' "You're a riot." Kendra turned back to the journal, flipping to a random page. Seth took a seat on his bed across from her. "Kendra, seriously, I can sort of see reading a cool book for fun, but dusty old journals? Really? Has anybody told you there are magical creatures out there" He pointed out the window."Has anybody told you some of those creatures can eat you" Kendra responded. "I'm not reading these just for fun. They have good info."like what? Patton and Lena smooching"Kendra rolled her eyes. "I'm not telling. You'll end up in a tar pit."There's a tar pit" he said, perking up. "Where?"

"When jumping is the sole option, you jump, and try to make it work."