Storm Tide

June 1, 2011

Gr 5-8-With his mom and dad off-island, Simon is looking forward to enjoying some free time. However, a freak storm blows in, and he is torn between his responsibilities at the lighthouse that he and his family call home and discovering the identity of a mysterious stranger who arrives just before the storm begins. After Simon and his sister Ellen rescue the man from nearly drowning, they realize that he's connected to a perplexing mystery-hidden treasure buried somewhere on the island. They resolve to find an ancient artifact that once belonged to Juan de Fuca as a way to save their lighthouse from being closed by the government. Though the Canadian island setting and race against all odds are compelling, readers who are not familiar with the ocean, sailing, or nautical terms will have a hard time visualizing much of the action. Further weighing down the story is the forced dialogue that seems even more artificial in the remote setting. Finally, readers will feel as disappointed as Simon in the anticlimactic ending. Struggling readers, especially those on the East coast, may not have the background knowledge to understand the significance of the treasure or know who the explorer is. Steer clear of Storm Tide.-H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2011
Grades 5-8 With his parents gone for the day from his island home, the time is ripe for Simon to partake in a bit of adventure. The family runs the islands lighthouse, so after a bare-minimum stab at chores and a quick argument with his sister, Ellen, he sets offand discovers a man apparently drowning in the storm-roughed waters. The man is rescued and brought inside, where in his delirium he starts muttering about a treasure. Furthermore, he has a map and an oblique riddle that Simon and Ellen use to discover the treasures location, on a rock visible only during the lowest of tides. When the stranger reveals himself to be dangerously unhinged, the race to uncover the loot is on. Jones festoons this quick read with several well-shaped action sequences and a steady application of danger in the guise of both the elements and the treasure-seeking villain. An entry in the reliable reluctant-reader Orca Currents series, this story holds plenty of appeal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to fill some of those armchair moments.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)