Dark Water Rising

Marian Hale brings to life the devastating hurricane that virtually obliterated Galveston, Texas, in 1900. Stephen Hoye is the voice of 17-year-old Seth, who arrives in Galveston with his family in late August just before the storm. One of Hoye's gifts is his ability to give voice to boys growing into manhood, who are searching for their own identities as they yearn to be accepted as adults in their families. Hoye conveys the frustration of an eldest son feeling put-upon when called to care for his younger sibling, the shyness of his "first love," and the unbelievable devastation of the storm of the century, which he witnesses. While recommended for older children, this story will hold the interest of listeners of any age. N.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

May 1, 2008
Gr 6 Up-Seth, 16, has his life planned. He is resolute in his decision to become a skilled carpenteruntil his father decides to move the family to the booming metropolis of Galveston, TX, where the opportunity for higher education can become a reality. After a short time, Seth becomes smitten by Ella Rose, the girl with the "straw blonde hair," and it doesn't take long for him to realize that the move wasn't such a bad idea after all. But on September 8, 1900, a horrific and devastating storm changes their lives. Marian Hale skillfully brings to life this no-holds-barred account (Holt, 2006) of one of the nation's worst natural disasters. She beautifully weaves together the aching depth of tragedy and loss and the resiliency of the human spirit. Her dedication to detailsfrom the pulsing waves and slate shingles whizzing through the sky, slicing open anything in its pathgrips readers throughout the novel. Stephen's Hoye's narration is smooth and seamless. His attempts at female voices are weak, but he excels as Seth and the "colored" boy and his grandfather. This coming-of-age story is a must-have for historical fiction collections.Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.