Alexander Key Books In Order

Publication Order of Sprockets Books

Publication Order of Witch Mountain Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Rivers of America Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Alexander Key was born in La Plata, Maryland on September 21, 1904 and was an American science fiction writer, which were mostly aimed at a younger audience. Before he was known as a writer, he was a nationally known illustrator. Between 1921 and 1923, he went to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He died in the year 1979.

After he started writing novels for young readers, he moved himself and his family off to the North Carolina mountains. It was here that most of his books would be set, featuring the rugged and wild landscape.

Key is known for his portrayals of alien yet human-like people that have close communion with nature and psychic powers, as well as being able to talk with animals. In one of his novels he expressed his belief that animals are aware and conscious, and have their own subtle ways of communication, possibly by telepathy.

His book “The Incredible Tide” was adapted into a popular anime series called “Future Boy Conan”. “Escape to Witch Mountain” has been adapted three times, once in 1975, again in 1995, and again in 2009. “Return from Witch Mountain” was adapted in 1978 into the film of the same name.

Key wrote the “Sprockets” series and the “Witch Mountain” series, as well as some stand alone work. His work began being published in the year 1930, when “The Red Eagle” was released. His work is from the genre of young adult fantasy.

“Escape to Witch Mountain” is the first novel in the “Witch Mountain” series, which was released in the year 1968. A terrifying experience blocks Tony and Tia’s memory of the past. Because they’ve got supernatural abilities, they are certain that they come from some other world. That their people are still in existence somewhere.

Tony and Tia then learn that they have to escape away from guys that want to use their special abilities for evil purposes. They start a desperate hunt to find their real home. It takes them to the odd and mysterious Witch Mountain.

Readers have enjoyed this book since they were kids and do to this very day. It was even fun to go back and read during modern times. The book is quite fascinating and never once condescends to its audience. It is a straightforward book, never cutesy or campy.

“Return From Witch Mountain” is the second novel in the “Witch Mountain” series, which was released in the year 1978. Tony and Tia, who come from another world, have to protect their supernatural powers from Letha, the greedy, and her power hungry scientist buddy, who want to exploit their abilities. Tony and Tia wind up plunged into a dangerous and wild race against the clock to outwit their evil foes and make it back home.

This is an entertaining and enjoyable book, with a likable characters in Tony and Tia. People still go back and read this one, as it is still one of their favorites, after all this time.

“Sprockets” is the first novel in the “Sprockets” series, which was released in the year 1963. An intelligent little robot that is scheduled to be destroyed is able to escape from the robot factory. He goes on many adventures and gets adopted by a human family.

“Rivets and Sprockets” is the second novel in the “Sprockets” series, which was released in the year 1964. Dr. Bailey with Jim, his son, along with Sprockets and Rivets go on an adventure that involves Martians and space marbles.

Readers used to check this one out many times during their middle school days, they enjoyed it that much at the time. The story is a cute story, and young girls and boys are sure to find the robot brothers to be a ton of fun and quirky.

“Bolts” is the third novel in the “Sprockets” series, which was released in the year 1966. The Consolidated Mechanical Men Corporation makes robots of all kinds, but never has it made a robot dog before. Bingo Brown, grandson of the famous navy inventor Commander Brown, puts in a request for such a marvel.

The engineers do their best, but no matter how hard they try, their standard brain is not fitting inside the dog’s skull. They finally shave a tad on either side of the brain, and the result is Bolts. A scrappy little mutt that has a razor wit, razor teeth, and a habit of speaking his utterly deranged mind.

A gang of Mongolian spies hunting for Consolidated’s new super brain takes Bingo’s shipment, the pup puts up a major fight. Running from the spies and desperate to locate his owner, Bolts is going to prove his bite is equally as bad as his bark.

The book provides some entertaining reading, especially since it was released during a time when the readers’ group was poorly served.

“The Red Eagle” is the first stand alone novel, which was released in the year 1930. Richard and Ned are two kids who have an uncle called Jim that owns a plane called the Red Eagle. When he stops by to visit, he just lands the plane directly on their farm, after they have cleared some area for a runway. Both of the boys want to learn to fly, but their dad thinks they are too young and the whole thing is too dangerous.

Uncle Jim takes their dad up for a long ride inside the Red Eagle, and after they land, his dad has got the flying bug too. Uncle Jim was a flyer in World War One and just so happens to own an aircraft factory and is the manager of a flying club. He is just the guy to teach everyone everything about planes and just how to fly them.

This book brings back nostalgia upon those who read it, back to when they were kids and first read the book. It even includes some neat lessons to go with each of the chapters. Readers are happy with the illustrations in the book, which were done by Key himself.