The demand for innovative thinkers in science and technology continues to grow, but how do we instill the love of science in our children?

Enter a new fictional hero for the middle-grade set whose special power is his brain. Kirkland-based author D.M. Darroch recently published “The Pirate’s Booty,” the first book in the Inventor-in-Training series.

Illustrated by Kirkland artist Jennifer L. Hotes, “The Pirate’s Booty” introduces young inventor Angus Clark, a bright middle schooler whose favorite pastime is building inventions in his lab. After a laboratory mishap he transports himself to a parallel world in which pirates sail the Puget Sound.

He combats blood-thirsty pirates and the natural elements with nothing but his ingenuity and the help of friends he meets along the way. His best friend is a smart, sassy girl residing in the body of a macaw.

“Angus and Ivy are two ordinary children with extraordinarily creative minds,” says Darroch. “I am inspired and amazed by the ingenuity of the kids in my life. I wanted to write a book that would both entertain and empower them to embrace their inner inventor.”

Before turning her hand to children’s literature, Darroch wrote technical documentation for Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM and worked as a technical translator. She graduated from American University with a B.A. in literature, German, and economics and from Thunderbird School of Global Management with an M.I.M.

She resides in Kirkland with her husband and son.

“The Pirate’s Booty” published by Sleepy Cat Press is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound or by request at your favorite bookstore. Excerpts of the book are available on the author’s website at www.dmdarroch.com.