The Legend of Zamiel Zimbalist — Pamela Keyes

While waiting in Tucson for his ghostly mentor Maria, twelve-year-old Zachary is given a mysterious portal made by his uncle. Years ago, Uncle Zamiel was killed in a car accident, but now Zachary wonders if his uncle somehow survived. And when Zachary returns to The Connedim â€" a land connecting the past and the future â€" he discovers that his uncle is well known, as are his suspicious deeds linking him to the leader of the evil Scatterers. Even the bravest members of the Alliance are afraid to confront the Scatterers' leader, but Zachary can only discover the truth by finding Zamiel â€" if he can just figure out how to use the portal!