Heart of a Dolphin

March 1, 2016

Gr 4-6-Eleven-year-old Annie's summer isn't going as planned. Her best friend Emma is spending most of her time with the rich, snobby girls in Twin Coves Point; little brother Will is being a pest; and her dad's new restaurant takes up much of the family's time. As she begins spending solitary time at the beach, Annie finds a dolphin that is trapped by fishing wire at the end of a rocky spit. She rescues it, and a strong bond is formed. Some aspects strain credulity-Annie's brother acts far younger than his years, and the dolphin comes just when Annie needs it most, under the most unlikely circumstances. However, the loss of a best friend is a universal experience, as are the various pains of growing up. Annie learns some hard-won lessons and achieves positive results, sending a hopeful message to the audience. VERDICT This relatively quick read will appeal to animal lovers and reluctant readers alike.-B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA

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