Beyond the Bright Sea

Starred review from March 27, 2017
Creating mystery and suspense in an unusual setting, Newbery Honor–winner Wolk (Wolf Hollow) spins an intriguing tale of an orphan determined to find her roots, set in the 1920s. As a baby, Crow was found in a boat washed up on a (fictional) Massachusetts island. Osh, the introverted painter who found her, named her and took her in. Since then, Crow has enjoyed a tranquil existence, except for being ostracized by those who believe she came from nearby Penikese Island, which housed lepers. When Crow, now 12, spots a fire across the water on Penikese, her curiosity is awakened. After persuading Osh and their friend Miss Maggie to investigate, she takes the first step in an emotional quest to discover who her parents were. Crow is a determined and dynamic heroine with a strong intuition, who pieces together the puzzle of her past while making profound realizations about the definition of family. Wolk’s economical prose clearly delineates Crow’s conflicting emotions and growing awareness, and readers will feel the love and loyalty that she, Osh, and Miss Maggie share. Ages 10–up. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House.

Narrator Jorjeana Marie expresses all the youthful longing of 12-year-old Crow. Crow was just hours old when she was discovered by Osh and Miss Maggie, two inhabitants of an isolated Massachusetts island. Marie portrays the fierce love of these guardians. Osh is wise and enigmatic, and Miss Maggie, strong and bold. When Crow's questions about her original family can't be stilled, Osh and Miss Maggie tenderly support her piecing together of her fragmented past. When a villain appears, Marie's depiction of his ruthless menace contrasts with Crow's growing courage and sense of self. Overall, Marie melds conflict and tenderness beautifully in this tale of family and belonging. The author's brief postscript expresses her caring for place, history, and characters. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

June 26, 2017
Several central characters populate Wolk’s New England coming-of-age novel. The protagonist, Crow, at 12, has begun asking questions about her past as an abandoned baby—questions that neither her taciturn foster father, Osh, nor their matter-of-fact neighbor Miss Maggie are equipped to answer. As the story unfolds, the three characters venture forth from their tiny island off Cape Cod to discover the truth about Crow’s lost family, encountering unexpected dangers along the way. Marie is a sensitive narrator whose characterizations are unique and often power-
ful. She excels at playing Osh, who speaks little but communicates much, ensuring his deep love for Crow shines through in his brief and sometimes stern dialogue. Marie also provides interesting performances for the loyal Miss Maggie and several island residents, as well as for the villain of the piece: a cold-blooded treasure hunter who is determined to unearth the secrets of Crow’s past before she does. Marie handles the challenge of three leading characters with ease, keeping listeners captivated throughout. Ages 10–up. A Dutton hardcover.