About Us
Leapfrog Press is an independent literary publisher established in 1995. We have a diverse list that includes literary fiction and middle-grade fiction, as well as some nonfiction and the occasional poetry collection. Leapfrog is distributed by Consortium Book Sales & Distribution and sells through all chain, online, and independent retailers, as well as to libraries and educational markets.
Leapfrog’s mission is to seek out and publish fine literary works that are often overlooked by the larger presses. Leapfrog chooses its books based on literary merit rather than potential sales, with book sales covering approximately 70% of our operating budget. Grant funding and tax-deductible donations cover the rest.
Our Campaign
In October, our first young adult novel will be available: Lone Wolves by Native Alaskan author John Smelcer, which the late Ray Bradbury called "A beautiful and moving story of courage and love."
Lone Wolves is not only Leapfrog’s first YA novel; it is also our first hardcover book. We are printing simultaneous hardcover and trade paperback editions, and since this decision was made back in February, we have received more pre-orders from stores and libraries, of both editions, than our print budget can cover. With this campaign, we are raising funds to fill the unanticipated pre-orders and send more copies of this lovely book out into the world.
John Smelcer is the author of more than forty books. He is an Alaskan Native of the Ahtna tribe, and is now the last tribal member who reads and writes in Ahtna. In Lone Wolves, his fourth novel for teens, John introduces us to 16-year-old Deneena Yazzie, who is not like other teens in her village.
Lone Wolves is a thoughtful, realistic portrayal of the struggles of Native Alaskan teens as they feel the pull of modern culture against that of their families and their heritage, and the hopelessness to which this can lead. It is also a fine adventure tale, with a heroine who is in no way stereotypical.
"John Smelcer is Alaska’s modern-day Jack London." —W.P. Kinsella
