As soon as the boys were gone, Ian turned to his uncle. “What just happened?”

Vanek chuckled. “Did you really think cramming those boys into a carriage would fix things?”

“But to send them out alone? Laurel won’t like it.” Ian fiddled with the buttons on his cuff. “I don’t like it.”

—excerpted from Byways, Book 1: On Your Marks

Ian’s overly optimistic plan was doomed from the start, but thanks to Uncle Vanek, the brothers will each have a chance to prove themselves. This big bear of a man is the Postmaster’s business partner, his trusted friend, and his uncle.

Vanek Johns is the person who helped Ian establish the postal system that serves Liberty’s people. He has a booming voice and a deep laugh. The father of six grown children, he’s wise when it comes to helping young ones grow up.

■ Like most of the Johns’ family members, Vanek has amber eyes. His golden-brown hair turned gray a long time ago.
■ Uncle Vanek did a lot of traveling in his youth, when he worked as a Ranger. (They’re a little like knights and act as Liberty’s police officers.) Vanek has good connections with people in many cities and colonies. These friendships help keep the postal company running smoothly.
■ Vanek’s wife is named Odessa. Their children all live in various parts of the western colonies.

Byways, Book #1: On Your Marks
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Taking sibling rivalry to brand new lengths…

Series Summary: Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, he has three sons, all half-brothers, and the boys don’t get along. In order to help them bond, Ian plans a tour of the country in the hopes that travel will bring them closer together. But somehow, the plan is twisted around, and the trip becomes a race.

Age Range: These books are geared for young readers who are ready for their very first chapter books (K-2).

Last Time: Ian Johns
Next Time: Laurel Johns