Vanished

This newly released book, "Vanished," begins with the intriguing words: "They're not out THERE, they're already HERE..." And from that point to the exciting, non-stop action conclusion, author Philip Antony takes the reader not only on an adventure by Tommy Flagg but also offers touching lessons in friendship, acceptance, and compassion.

Philip Antony created the Tommy character to draw attention to children with emotional and physical disabilities and the challenges they face in gaining acceptance. Mr. Antony says, "Children need love and recognition from family and friends, but for kids with disabilities, love, acceptance, and especially friendship are critically important."

After an accident leaves Tommy with scars from burns, his friends shun him; his mother and father are also at odds. Feeling rejected, he runs away from home. That's when the adventure begins. A frantic search by his family inevitably leads to a final encounter between them and an advanced civilization unknown to humans who have befriended Tommy precisely because he is so different.

"Vanished" can also be read as a metaphor for connections between unlikely groups of people with different cultures, values, and religions.