Students inspire UCS teacher to write novel, ‘The Curse of the Scarlet Scarab’

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA — Angel Favazza, an AP Literature and Composition and Honors Writing Center teacher at Stevenson High School, is also an author who was inspired by her students to write her newest young adult book, “The Curse of the Scarlet Scarab,” which was just released through Hiraeth Publishing.

“As a teacher at Stevenson High School for the past 30 years, my students have continually inspired me with their creativity, enthusiasm and unique perspectives. It’s because of them that I’ve dedicated this book to their boundless energy and passion for learning,” Favazza said.

Her dedication from the book reads: “To my students, whose enthusiasm for learning makes every day an adventure and whose passion for knowledge fuels my journey as a teacher and writer. Thank you for asking about this book — it’s a gift from me to you, reminding me why teaching is the greatest privilege.”

The story follows Ruby Blood, a teenage thief and the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Thomas Blood, who once stole the crown jewels. Smart, daring and determined to forge her own legacy, Ruby teams up with her loyal best friend Mollie to steal a glowing scarab amulet from London’s elite jewelry district. But the heist unleashes an ancient Egyptian curse and draws them into the crosshairs of a dangerous underground organization. The Curse of the Scarlet Scarab is a young adult steampunk fantasy with gadgets, gears, secrets and heart.

She said the first draft took about 11 months, but the full process — outlining, revising, editing, and formatting — spanned closer to 18 months.

The book was published in March.

“It’s been such a joy to see it reach readers who love steampunk, historical fiction and stories with strong, determined teen heroines,” she said

She said the students who most inspired “The Curse of the Scarlet Scarab” were those with vivid imaginations and a rebellious streak, the thinkers who challenged norms, loved mythology and mystery, and could see past the obvious.

“As an AP Literature teacher, I’ve had the privilege of guiding students through complex texts and historical contexts, and every year, a few stand out for their fascination with Victorian literature, daring heists, and the allure of magical realism. Their deep curiosity, especially about history and how stories reflect power and identity — often sparked rich conversations that stayed with me long after class ended. This book is for — and inspired by — the kind of young person who sees the world not just as it is, but as it could be: full of secrets, stories and hidden doors waiting to be opened,” she said.

She said her students were her muses for decades.

“Their creativity, curiosity and courage reminded me how powerful stories can be — especially when they feature young protagonists shaping their own destinies. I taught AP Literature, so we often explored complex narratives, and my students weren’t afraid to dive into themes like power, justice and identity. Those conversations echoed in my head as I created Ruby’s world. In many ways, this book is a thank-you letter to them,” she said.

Vanessa Soso, a senior at Stevenson High School and a student of Favazza’s, said Favazza is deeply dedicated to getting her students to understand and love English and literature.

“She has the ability to make any piece of literature interesting, even poems, and is always working to help her students develop the same love for literature. She clearly goes above and beyond for her students inside and outside of the classroom,” she said.

She said Favazza shares her love of literature through every assignment and reading.

“Pieces that might seem dull to a group of seniors is given new life through her and the way she explains works that she evidently has a lot of love for. I also know that I, along with a lot of her students, share books we are reading outside of school with her and are able to dissect and talk all things literature with her,” she said.

She said finding out Favazza was publishing another book, let alone this year, was beyond exciting.

“Knowing my teacher writes books and is able to publish works of her own is inspiring and goes to show how capable any of us are to do the same. Mrs. Favazza never fails to instill confidence in her students, but knowing she has written novels highlights that confidence. She makes dreams feel like they are capable of becoming a reality and has allowed me to feel more confident in my own writing and ideas,” she said.

“The Curse of the Scarlet Scarab” is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Booktopia.com, Bookshop.org and directly through Hiraeth Publishing’s website, hiraethsffh.com. Find out more about the book and Favazza’s other projects at angelfavazza.com.