A new book written by Anderson Township resident and former Batavia High School teacher Deanna Hurtubise has just been released by Lilyflower Publishers.

“The Boys Who Discovered Yesterday” is a chapter book that takes its middle school readers on a journey that is part history, part mystery and all fun.

Based on dramatic and real events, this historic fiction release tells of the accidental discovery of the famous Lascaux caves of prehistoric art in France in 1940 when four boys and their dog, Robot, stumble onto a treasure of national and international importance.

Hurtubise retired from teaching French at Batavia High School in 2003 and has personally visited the Lascaux II caves on several trips to France with her students.

“The original caves are now closed to the public,” Hurtubise says, “but the recreated Lascaux II is still remarkable to see in person. I wanted this book to describe the effect this discovery had on the boys, their small village, their country and the international community as well, but also the environmental lessons the scientists learned that led to its unfortunate closing.”

Illustrated by local artist Benjamin Williams, “The Boys Who Discovered Yesterday” includes thought provoking questions for discussion making it an ideal book for children’s book clubs and classroom discussion.

“Of course,” Hurtubise added, “I added lots of French words that the boys would have used, but they are translated for the readers. And the teacher in me also included a French/English matching quiz for teachers who’d like to add a bit of foreign language education to their classes. I know that in many school districts, the Lascaux caves are a part of the art curriculum and also that students are required to read a certain amount of historic fiction during the school year. I am hoping this book will be an excellent addition to many school libraries and classrooms.”

Hurtubise is also the author of a children’s picture book, So Many Hugs, released in 2009. Both books are available on amazon.com