A new "Breakfast Serials" series will start Tuesday with a story about an eventful voyage.

"Sudden Squall," which is aimed at young readers, will run for four weeks in the Butler Eagle.

In eight chapters, readers will learn about the Neptune, a side paddle steam freighter that travels from New Port, N.J., to New York City everyday with farm produce.

On a spring day in 1884, a sudden storm creates havoc in the harbor channels. A ship collision draws the boat's pilot Capt. Bates off the Neptune so he can guide one of the stricken ships to safe berth. Then his first mate becomes ill.

That leaves the Neptune in the hands of his son, 14-year-old Thaddeus Bates, and his younger sister, Abigail. Now, Thad must steer the Neptune into one of the world's busiest ports.

The story is authored by Avi, a New York City native. In 1970, his first book was published and since then he has published more than 55 books for young people.

He is recipient of writing honors, which include the 2003 Newbery Award, two Newbery Honors, the Horn Book Award, the Scott O'Dell Award, the Christopher Award, plus many state awards.

Out this spring is his newest book, "The End of The Beginning."

Lauren Castillo illustrated the story. She is a recent graduate of the Illustration as Visual Essay, Master of Fine Arts program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She works as an assistant art director by day, and illustrator by night.

She is finishing her first picture book, "What Happens onWednesdays." She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

This story will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Eagle, which began publishing the "Breakfast Serials" in 2004.

Teacher guides for the stories are available by contacting the circulation department of the Eagle at 724-282-1859 or e-mail at circulation@butlereagle.com.

Information about the story and the program is available at www.breakfastserials.com.