7 Contemporary Stories That Tackle Everyday Issues

I don't know about you, but my May bookshelf is overflowing with a wide range of fantastic reads. My lineup includes history and memoir, cookbooks and crafty books, literary fiction and fantasy and much more. I'm particularly impressed with some of this month's books for young adult (and older) readers, and that's what this post is all about.

Wait! Don't click away. You might be surprised by the depth of contemporary YA stories, so stick around and take a look. You'll find memoir, thrillers, stories about friendship, #ownvoices titles, and a love story or two.

There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse, May 14): I loved Menon's previous books (When Dimple Met Rishi and From Twinkle, with Love), so it's a no-brainer that I've put her newest novel on my list. Genre & themes: rom-com; first-generation American, body image. Basketball star Ashish is on the rebound after a bad breakup and so reluctantly agrees to go out on an arranged date. Sweetie is a tack champ, smart, and musically talented, but all her parents see is that she's (in their eyes, anyway) overweight. Will the two teens find anything more in common than having traditional Indian-American parents? Although Ashish is the brother of Rishi, this novel can be read as a standalone. Audiobook: Simon & Schuster Audio, 11 hr, read by Vikas Adam and Soneela Nankani.

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Freeform; May 7). Barnes has written a ton of novels, including last year's Little White Lies (a sequel to that is coming out in November). Genre & themes: mystery, thriller; wilderness survival, lost children, search & rescue dogs. When Kira was a little girl, she was found wandering alone in the woods by a search & rescue dog and was ultimately raised by that dog's owners. Now a teenager, Kira and her friends have plans to set up their own business, using trained dogs to help find other people who lose their way in wild areas. When they get a chance to find a missing girl, they decide to test their skills. Once in the national park, however, Kira's memories of her own experiences come to the surface, and with clarity comes fear. Audiobook: Blackstone, 8.5 hr, read by Emily Lawrence.

Bright Burning Stars by A. K. Small (Algonquin BYR, May 21). I danced when I was young and then again when I was in my thirties, so I have a soft spot for books about ballet. Small's own experiences as a young dancer in France inform her work. Genre & themes: contemporary fiction; friendship; ambition; jealousy; love. Best friends Marine and Kate have spent their young lives dancing and training at the Paris Opera Ballet, but they've now reached the age and status at which they've become rivals--both for a single position in the corps de ballet and for a handsome boy dancer. The stress of competition, the raging hormones for love and sex, and the irresistible pull for fame tests their loyalties and their commitment to dance. Audiobook: I was unable to find any information.

Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum (Delacorte, May 7). I like Buxbaum's earlier work (Tell Me Three Things), so I put this on my list. Genre & themes: contemporary fiction; PTSD, unwanted fame. On 9/11, a photographer captured toddler Abbi's image as she was being rescued from the collapsing World Trade Center towers. Now seventeen and suffering from asthma, she still has social media fame. In an attempt to escape prying eyes, Abbi takes a job as a camp counselor to little kids who aren't old enough to know about 9/11. Despite her best efforts, one of the boy counselors recognizes her, but it turns out he too is dealing with issues related to that horrible day. Can they help each other? Audiobook: Listening Library; 8.25 hr; read by Jorjeana Marie, Robbie Daymond, and Julie Buxbaum.

We Are the Perfect Girl by Ariel Kaplan (Knopf BYR, May 21). I liked Kaplan's We Regret to Inform You and couldn't resist reading her reworking of Cyrano de Bergerac. Genre & themes: classic retelling; love; friendship; self-image. Aphra, the bold one, and Bethany, the beauty, together make the perfect girl and are lucky enough to have the perfect friendship. When some wires get crossed and irresistibly hot Greg asks out Bethany, Aphra plays conversation coach and takes over her BFF's texts. Only problem is, Aphra has already fallen for Greg. She wants to follow her own heart but doesn't want to mess up her friendship. Humor and teen angst infuse this modern retelling of the classic play, which has garnered several starred reviews. Audiobook: Listening Library, 11 hr, read by Holly Linneman

Brave Face by Shaun David Hutchinson (Simon Pulse, May 21). I read Hutchinson's We Are the Ants and am very curious about his life. (Note: This important memoir comes with trigger warnings.) Genre & themes: memoir; LBGTQ+, depression. In this very frank and open memoir Hutchinson talks about his path to self-acceptance as he struggled to move past a teenage suicide attempt and realize that depression could be dealt with and that being gay didn't mean that happiness was out of his reach. If we can talk openly about depression and learn to accept love in all its many guises maybe the children of the next generations will not have to suffer the pain and trauma of those who came before. A message of hope that leaves off the sugar coating. Audiobook: Simon & Schuster Audio, 9 hr, read by the author.

The Things She's Seen by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina (Knopf BYR, May 14). Several things drew me this debut novel, not least of which is the Australian setting. Genre & themes: thriller, family, justice, grief. Death by car accident hasn't severed Beth's connections with her police detective father. As she tries to find a way to move her spirit to another plane and ease her father's grief, she becomes embroiled in his next case, which is an arson in a remote town that took the life of another girl. The only possible witness can't seem to give a straight answer, and secrets, traditional beliefs, tragedy, and violence all play a role before the case is closed. This is an #ownvoices novel written by a sister / brother team. Audiobook: Listening Library, 4.5 hr, read by Miranda Tapsell.

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8 Magical Books for Children's Book Week

Next week is the 98th annual Children's Book Week, and I'm celebrating by featuring books geared to young adult and middle grade readers that were (or will be) published in March, April, and May 2017.

I have so many great books to talk about, I'm starting early with today's post, which concentrates on fantasy and on novels that include a bit of magic or other worldliness. Next week, I'll look at contemporary stories, graphic novels, and thrillers.

Note: Books featured for Children's Book Week represent only those titles that came to my attention through a variety of avenues. They are also books I've had a chance to look through or read (print, audio, or ebook). I'm grateful to the publishers and other agencies that provided copies of these books for my honest opinion in a review or feature.

• Dream Magic by Joshua Khan (Disney Hyperion; April): This standalone novel is set in the Shadow Magic universe. Lilith Shadow, the young queen of Gehenna, faces a host of problems: trolls are on the march, the dead are awakening, and her citizens are mysteriously disappearing. The story combines several familiar fantasy and mystery elements in new ways and introduces us to unique creatures, including a giant bat. The book has won praise from the likes of Rick Riordan and Jonathan Stroud.
• Carmer and Grit by Sasrah Jean Horwitz (Algonquin Young Readers; April): Young readers will be won over by this fresh mix of fantasy and steampunk. A disabled faerie princess teams up with a magician's apprentice to save their world from destruction by evil mechanical creatures. Great themes of friendship, good versus evil, being true to one's own dreams, and solving mysteries. Don't miss this action-packed first installment of a new series.
• The Lost Staff of Wonders by Raymond Arroyo (Crown Books for Young Readers; March): Set in the late-1800s, this second book in the Will Wilder series takes place in a familiar world, except for the little problem of ancient demons. When, 12-year-old Will is wrongfully accused of stealing Moses's staff from the local museum, he must use his magical powers to find the real thief and protect his town from being destroyed by the seven plagues. Action, adventure, and biblical tales come true make this a gripping read.
• Xander and the Dream Thief by Margaret Dilloway (Disney Hyperion; April): This fairy tale retelling takes young readers out of Western traditions by focusing on Japanese myths and legends. In this second book in the Momotaro series, Xander, our biracial warrior hero, is still getting used to his new fighter status and how to use his powers. When his bumbling takes hope away from his family, Xander must find the strength and courage to face the evils that have stolen their dreams. The novel includes themes of self-confidence, learning from mistakes, love of family, and personal fortitude.

• The Shadows We Know by Heart Jennifer Park (Simon Pulse; March): This debut combo of romance and fantasy is set in contemporary Texas. Every night Leah escapes her dysfunctional family by secretly leaving food for three creatures who live in the woods behind her house. One evening she sees a human boy with the Bigfoot trio and she begins to fall in love. Besides the love story, this novel explores grief, family issues, and alcoholism. A coming-of-age story for teens and adults.
• The Door in the Alley by Adrienne Kress (Delacorte Books for Young Readers; April): Middle grade readers will love this new action / adventure series, which begins with a tiny pig in a tiny hat that leads to a mystery, a curious boy, a girl in need of help, and a secret society. The whole family will find it hard to resist the witty dialogue, groan-inducing puns, charming black and white drawings, funny footnotes, and fantastic characters.
• Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk (Dutton Books for Young Readers; May): Early in the last century, on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, a baby was rescued from the ocean. Now 12-years-old, Crow begins to question her origins, which sets her on a dangerous journey of self-discovery on several levels. Strong female role models and lessons about the meaning of family round out this compelling and haunting novel.
• Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder (Waldon Pond Press; May): Nine children live on a utopian island, where all their needs are met, the weather is perfect, and there is always plenty to eat. Their world is unbroken except when a mysterious boat arrives once a year to take away the oldest child, leaving another to take his or her place as the youngest in the group. When Jinny's best friend is taken away, she becomes the eldest orphan. As she begins to teach new child the rules of the island, Jinny starts to question her universe. A beautifully conceived look at the transition from childhood to adolescence.

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10 Books for Tweens and Teens

I know 2016 isn't over yet, but I'm already looking ahead and making reading plans for the coming year. All the books featured today will be published in January, and although you'll find them in the young adult or middle grade sections of your bookstore or library, each one has adult cross-over appeal. Whether you're making a wish list or a shopping list and whether you're thinking of yourself or the young readers in your life, here are some recommendations to give you a head start on fabulous bookish 2017.

Contemporary Cultural and Social Issues in Fiction

• The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt (St. Martin's Griffin; January 17): Gretchen, a 17-year-old white girl, suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome after having been mugged. Pheonix, a brown-skinned 18-year-old, is a recent immigrant who fled his native El Salvador to escape gang violence. After a chance meeting, they bond over their common need for healing, understanding and safety.
• Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley (Harlequin Teen, January 31): Aki, a 15-year-old black girl, is unsure about everything--her faith, her sexual identity, her talents. On a Christian mission trip to Mexico, she meets white Christa and tentative flames begin to burn. A realistic look at LBGTQ teen relationships and a respectful view of religion.
• The Truth of Right Now by Kara Lee Corthron (Simon Pulse, January 3):  Lily, a white Jewish music student, and Dari, a black first-generation Trinidadian artist, start their junior year of high school already a step or two behind. When the two loners connect, they strengthen their relationship over discussions of race, family, and personal struggles, until social pressures and their past troubles threaten to tear them apart.

Fresh Takes on Old Tales

• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (Del Rey, January 10): Set in medieval Russia, this unique fairy tale is the story of a village girl, who can talk with animals and spirits, and her conflict with her stepmother, who declares all such actions and beings to be evil. Period details and careful blending of magic and realism help shape this intriguing new tale.
• Beheld by Alex Flinn (HarperTeen, January 10): Kendra, a time-traveling witch and perennial teen, recounts her perspective on the stories behind four familiar fairy tales, with an emphasis on romance. These light twists on traditional plots (including Rumpelstiltskin) offer the perfect winter escape.
• Siren Sisters by Diana Langer (Aladdin, January 3): Set in coastal Maine, this middle grade novel reimagines the myth of the sirens whose song lures ships into rocky waters. Lolly, our young singer, deals with more than her duties to the Sea Witch, she must also learn to navigate the rough seas of contemporary adolescence and keep her family safe.

Stories for Thought and Discussion

• Flying Lessons edited by Ellen Oh (Crown Books for Young Readers, January 3): This collection of short stories was published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books. The pieces, written by both men and women, tackle a wide range of contemporary issues, such as racism, sports, grief, gender identity, and living with disabilities. Geared to a middle grade audience, this important and well-written collection should be on everyone's reading list.
• Here We Are edited by Kelly Jensen (Algonquin Young Readers, January 24): This anthology of essays, art, photos, and poems is geared to young adult readers and addresses what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century. The 44 contributors hail from a broad spectrum of fields--pop culture personalities, artists, bloggers, and authors--and focus on the complexities of women's issues, not simply the typical views on career opportunities and speaking up.

Coming of Age with a Few Twists

• The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti (Sourcebooks Fire, January 3): When Lizzie goes missing after a camping trip with her boyfriend, a 17-year-old girl becomes obsessed with finding out what happened. Set in a small town in eastern Pennsylvania, this novel is part mystery, part coming-of-age story.
• The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins (Margaret McElderry Books, January 24): This novel in verse and prose focus on 17-year-old Ariel who has lived an almost nomadic life with her alcoholic father since her mother deserted them years ago. As Ariel explores her awakening bisexuality, she discovers few people are really who they seem to be, and her world begins to tip.

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Reading on Topic: New Fantasy / Speculative Fiction

Why is it that summer is the time for escape reading? Perhaps it's the heat or the pleasure of an afternoon relaxing poolside that requires lighter books with engaging characters and story lines. Whatever the reason, I am currently on a fantasy kick for my downtime reading.

Today I'm featuring five books in my current to-read stack. I've limited the list by three criteria: published in 2016, first in a series or standalone, and I own a print copy. Have you read any of them? Which one should I start with?

Dragons . . .

• The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan is the first installment in a fantasy / alternate history (Europe) series that involves spies, politics, pirates, dragons, and adventure. Some reviewers have also mentioned a strong steampunk bent to the novel. I'm on the fence because I've seen the book compared to the Eragon series, which I was only meh about, but The Waking Fire has dragons and pirates and strong female characters, so I need to give it a try. (Ace Books, July)
• The Summer Dragon by Todd Lockwood is first in an epic fantasy trilogy starring a young female dragon breeder. The story includes a classic battle of good versus evil, myths, imaginative creatures, and good action. Reviewers mention the intense emotional impact of the book and the realistic, smart main character. Lockwood's beautiful black-and-white illustrations bring his fantasy world alive. (Daw, May)

. . . And Other Worlds

• Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan is the first in a new epic fantasy series that is set in the same universe as the author's Riyria Chronicles, although in a different time period and with new characters. The fantasy world contains several familiar creatures (elves, talking trees) and involves a struggle between two realms, one populated by the powerful bad guys and the other by the down-trodden good guys. Despite the expected plot elements, reviewers have generally given this book two thumbs up. (Del Rey, June)
• The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye is an alternate history / fantasy story set in Imperial Russia and involving a competition to the death between two contenders for the court's head magician. The story is told from different points of view and is based on a solid historical foundation sparked with magical details. Reviewers mention the nicely complex plot, unique take on magicians, and the terrific character development. Although the prospect of a love triangle is a bit off-putting, I'm interested in this promising story. I can't tell if the novel is the first in a series or a standalone. (Balzer + Brray, May)
• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a middle grade (with adult cross-over) standalone fantasy with fairy tale elements. I love so much about the premise of this book: a misunderstood forest-dwelling witch makes a mistake and infuses a baby with magic. To protect the child, the witch raises her as her own. As the girl grows up and into her great power, we begin to wonder who is protecting whom from the outside world and the true evil one. I've read nothing but praise for this imaginative and beautifully written coming-of-age story. (Algonquin Books for Young Readers, August)

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Review: The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse by Brian Farrey

Short take: Brian Farrey's The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse is a little mystery, a little magic, and a little fairy tale all mixed together in a coming-of-age story that opens doors to discussion of complex issues.

What's it about: The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse is the story of two girls, each of whom is burdened with adult concerns at much too young an age. Princess Jeniah's mother is dying, and soon the twelve-year-old girl will be queen of the realm, even though she has no idea how rule her people. Aon, a peasant girl, is the only person in her village who can feel any emotion except happiness. She has lived all her twelve years hiding her sorrows, especially as she lost first her mother and then her father.

What binds these two girls? A dark, forbidding bog: home to the dreadwillow trees and other evil plants. Aon is drawn to the forest almost against her will, yet she can't make herself pass into its core. Jeniah's been recently warned by her mother that if any member of the royal family enters Dreadwillow Carse, the kingdom will fall. Curiosity gets the best of Jeniah, and she sends Aon on a mission to discover the secrets of the bog. When Aon fails to return home, Jeniah is faced with a choice: Should she save her friend or save her kingdom?

Things I liked: I loved the strengths and the weaknesses of the girls. Both Aon and Jeniah had to solve puzzles to make progress in their hope to understand the bog, protect the people of the realm, and do the right thing. Their dilemmas were complex, and there wasn't always a clear right or wrong answer--decisions have consequences, which have to be weighed against each other. Sometimes the girls had help, but often they had to rely on their own resourcefulness and sense of reason. I was glad to see they were not perfect and thus could make mistakes.

I also liked the fairy tale nature of the story. Farrey included some standard elements: a quest, a princess, an evil forest, and not-quite-human characters whose motivations were unclear. There is a strong good versus evil thread in the book, but The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse is very much a coming-of-age story that touches on real-life issues disguised as a lighter tale.

Book club alert: This would make a great parent-child book club choice because there are so many points of discussion. Here are just a few that came to mind: The obligations and nature of friendship, the importance of feeling both joy and sorrow, taking time to try to determine the consequences of one's actions, and finding one's inner strength.

Recommendation: Although Brian Farrey wrote The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse for a middle grade audience, the novel should have strong appeal across age groups. The themes and characters are complex enough to attract adult attention. It is also a perfect choice for anyone who likes fairy tales, magic, and a touch of fantasy and mystery.

One complaint: Several times throughout the book there is mention of Princess Jeniah's dark skin. I'm not sure why both girls shown on the book cover seem to have very white skin. Regardless, I still highly recommended the book.

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Review and Giveaway: If You're Lucky by Yvonne Prinz

As you know, I love pretty much everything Algonquin Books publishes for adults. But you might not be aware that my love extends to books published under the Algonquin Young Readers imprint as well.

Yvonne Prinz's If You're Lucky, published last month, is no exception. Here's what I wrote for Readerly magazine:

This is an emotionally complex psychological thriller that weaves a mystery into a story that also examines grief, families, and mental health. After seventeen-year-old Georgia's older brother died in a surfing accident, she begins to question the behavior of one his friends, who decides to stick around town after flying in to attend the funeral. Unfortunately, Georgia has been battling schizophrenia all her life, and her friends and family dismiss her fears as emanating from her condition. As well as building tension and crafting an absorbing mystery, Prinz sensitively portrays the teen's mixed feelings about the side effects of her meds and her struggle to be seen as something more than her diagnosis. This young adult thriller would make an excellent book club choice, initiating discussions of several fruitful issues, including preconceived notions of mental illness.

Many of you read over a broad range of audiences and already know that not all young adult novels involve a dystopian world or an angst-filled love triangle. But if you tend to shy away from young adult novels, I urge you to put your misgivings aside and give this thriller, set in contemporary times, a try. If You're Lucky is multilayered and examines mature topics, making this a terrific crossover book.

For more on Yvonne Prinz and her newest novel, be sure to check out If You're Lucky page on the Algonquin Young Readers website. I enjoyed reading Prinz's essay about the writing of the novel and the surprising source of her inspiration. Book club members, both adults and teens, will appreciate the insightful questions included in the reader's guide, also available on the publisher's website.

Thanks to Algonquin Young Readers, I can offer two of my readers with a US or Canadian mailing address a copy of Yvonne Prinz's If You're Lucky. All you have to do to be entered for a chance to win is to fill out the following form. I'll pick a winner using a random number generator on December 4. Once the winner has been confirmed, I'll erase all personal information from my computer. Good luck!



Published by Algonquin Young Readers, 2015
ISBN-13: 9781616204631
Source: Review (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

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Imprint Friday: Introducing Algonquin Young Readers

Welcome to Imprint Friday and today's featured imprint: Algonquin Young Readers. Stop by each week to be introduced to a must-read title from one of my favorite imprints. I know you'll be adding many of these books to your wish list.

Did you know that Algonquin Books launched a new imprint this month? I can't tell you how excited I am about Algonquin Young Readers and the five books that are coming out in their first season. Before I introduce the books, let me share what Algonquin has to say about their new venture:

Algonquin Young Readers, launching Fall 2013, features books for readers seven to seventeen. From short illustrated novels for the youngest independent readers to timely and topical crossover young adult fiction, what ties our books together are unforgettable characters, absorbing stories and superior writing.

Our imprint is dedicated to publishing works of the same literary merit and enduring quality that are the hallmarks of our parent imprint, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

It's this commitment to outstanding books, no matter the age of the audience, that makes me thrilled to feature Algonquin Young Readers. Visit the imprint's website, and you'll quickly notice the sincerity behind their tag line "A Well-Read Life Begins Here." Motivated readers of all ages as well as parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and book clubs will find plenty of resources for learning and for reinforcing the idea that reading is fun and broadens your horizons.

The extra materials vary by title, and include essays by the authors, guides to the main characters, videos, educator guides, and reader guides. The materials are available as printable PDFs that are eye-catchingly designed with colorful graphics and fun fonts. Young or old, don't miss these great resources.

Now let's take a look at the initial catalog. I think you'll be as impressed as I am.

August. If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan (ISBN-13: 9781616202514) is like no book you've ever read. It's the story of two teenage girls who have been in love for most of their lives. But the stumbling blocks for Sahar and Nasrin are insurmountable. In their native Iran, homosexuality is a state crime, punishable by imprisonment or death. When Nasrin's parents make arrangements for her marriage, Sahar seriously contemplates sex reassignment surgery because, oddly, this is a legal choice in Iran. Farizan's debut novel, written for high schoolers, examines homosexuality, transgender identity, contemporary life in Iran, gender roles, love, marriage, families, and cultural expectations.

Amy Herrrick's The Time Fetch (ISBN-13: 9781616202200), written for middle grade readers, is an exciting fantasy adventure. When Edward disturbs a Time Fetch by mistake, the creature sends out his foragers, whose sole mission is to snatch up moments of time. When things get out of hand, and the entire structure of the universe threatens to collapse, Edward and three friends must find a way to defeat the Fetch and put things to right. Kids and adults alike will love the relationship among the friends and will be fascinated by the concept of missing time. Other themes revolve around ancient tales of the winter solstice as well as family, environmental issues, and teamwork.

September. Author Hollis Seamon took her own life experiences and put them into her novel, Somebody Up There Hates You (ISBN-13: 9781616202606), which explores the serious issue of childhood cancer. In all but one respect, Richard Casey is a regular, sometimes annoying, teenage boy. That one thing, though, is huge: he has terminal cancer and has moved into a hospice. Although you might think the story of a sick boy would be depressing, Seamon shows us that life goes on, even for the very sick. Richard meets Sylvie, another teen resident of the facility, and their friendship, hopes, and dreams show that, as the author says, teens will be teens no matter what the circumstances. This is a surprisingly uplifting and inspiring story, written for high schoolers.

Early readers (and adults!) will fall in love with Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise's Three-Ring Rascals: The Show Must Go On! (ISBN-13: 9781616202446). When circus owner Sir Sidney decides he'd rather sleep than travel, he puts an ad in the paper looking for a new manager who "must love children, popcorn, and animals." Barnabas Bumbles, a trained animal trainer, is sure he can keep the show going. Unfortunately, his ideas are too grandiose to be practical. The good news is that Leo the Lion, Elsa the Elephant, and the rest of the gang pull to together and save the circus. Kids will love the pencil drawings, short cartoons, and other cute illustrations that break up the text, making this delightful story loads of fun to read. Talking animals, silly jokes, and a few underlying messages of friendship and working together make this a winner.

October. Sea-loving Cecil and land-lubber Anton are brothers who live in a coastal town and star in the exciting new novel Anton and Cecil: Cats at Sea by Lisa Martin and Valerie Martin (ISBN-13: 9781616202460). When finicky Anton is captured by sailors and pressed into service as an on-board ratter, the more easygoing Cecil jumps aboard another ship, hoping to rescue his brother. Middle grade readers will be entranced by the world of the cats and their adventures at sea, all the while hoping that the siblings are somehow reunited. This beautifully written story of high-seas adventure, with its marvelous cast of cats, rats, dolphins, and whales is sure to become a classic, read and reread by young and old alike. Maps and charming black-and-while drawings illustrate the story.

For more about Algonquin Young readers, visit their website, like their Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter.

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