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When Sea Becomes Sky

Audiobook
2 of 2 copies available
2 of 2 copies available
In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we'll always carry with us. Bex and Davey's summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless—and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they're thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they've been waiting for. When they learn of a development plan that will destroy their special spot, they'll need to act quickly. Unfortunately, sometimes progress happens whether you're ready or not. What will it mean if Bex and Davey lose their corner of the marsh where otters frolic and dragonflies buzz—their favorite place to be siblings together? As Bex and Davey attempt to save the statue and their beloved marsh, they come to see that the truth is not as simple as it seems . . . ultimately discovering so much more about life, permanence, love, and loss than they ever expected. Award-winning author Gillian McDunn crafts a gorgeous story of love and siblinghood, of secret statues and island life, of holding on and letting go.
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      January 9, 2023
      An uneasy vibe permeates this expansive mystery starring two closely bonded siblings. Contentious 11-year-old aspiring writer Bex and her quiet, easygoing nine-year-old brother Davey, who cue as white, live on Pelican Island off the Carolina coast, and spend freewheeling days in their favorite marsh spot. When a pervasive drought lowers the water level, and Bex notices a human-size metal statue embedded in the mud, she believes that the find could detour the building of a planned bridge to the island, which is currently only accessible by ferry. The bridge promises to bring more tourists to the remote island, improving the local economy, but it’s also likely to alter the ecosystem and threaten the kids’ father’s job as ferry captain. Davey tends not to speak around others, but he chats regularly with Bex as they work to solve the art mystery. Bex, meanwhile, studiously avoids “used-to-be friend” Millie Ochoa-Chen, who’s Taiwanese and Mexican American. Positing that “writers must tell the truth thoroughly, constantly, and recklessly,” McDunn (Honestly Elliott) uses the island’s drought to imbue the story with an anxious feeling as Bex strives to prolong the waning summer. An author’s note details the book’s personal origins. Ages 8–11. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Brenna Larsen tenderly narrates this story about love, loss, and the enduring power of art. Bex and her tight-lipped brother, Davey, are content to spend time mostly with each other, exploring the marshes of their island home. When a drought uncovers a previously submerged statue, they fixate on solving the mystery of its origin in order to stop a development project from destroying the marsh. Larsen imbues Bex's voice with sweet sincerity as she navigates the frightening prospect of ongoing change in her life. As the mystery deepens, the sharp-eared listener will notice that Davey's infrequently heard voice becomes more and more like Bex's own. Larsen also gives each of the supporting characters a distinct tone that rounds out this quietly moving audio. N.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

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  • English

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