Michael Harrison

I was born in England and moved to California in 1994.

In 1999.

ARTU and ARTU2

A fearless subway rat. An 8-year-old with a giant heart. Together, they’ll prove that even the smallest heroes can spark the biggest change.

When CJ drops his snack on the New York City subway, he doesn’t expect to meet ARTU—a quick-witted, street-smart rat with a knack for big ideas and an even bigger sense of right and wrong. What starts as an unlikely friendship becomes a secret mission to make their neighborhood kinder and braver. With ARTU’s clever plans and CJ’s courage, they find quiet ways to fill empty lunchboxes, stand up to bullies without throwing a single punch, and show their whole school that compassion is a superpower anyone can learn. Along the way, CJ discovers that bravery isn’t loud, kindness isn’t complicated, and heroes come in all sizes…even with whiskers and a tail.

This heartwarming first adventure in the ARTU and ARTU2 series blends fast-paced city fun with meaningful moments kids will carry into their own classrooms and communities. Parents and teachers will love the gentle humor, empathy-building themes, and solutions-first approach to tough topics like hunger and bullying. And as CJ and ARTU dream bigger—extending their kindness to a homeless veteran and a plan to feed more New Yorkers—readers will turn the last page inspired to look for the helpers, and to be one.

Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, R. J. Palacio, and Katherine Applegate.