On islands around the world—from Manhattan to Phillip Island, Australia, to Komodo Island and beyond—eight children face life-changing moments: escaping a flood; embracing their identity; discovering that the adults in their lives can ease the burden of their eco-anxiety. And although each child couldn’t be more different, one thing connects them all: a turtle swam into each of their lives at a critical moment, and left them changed.

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The 8 short stories in WE THE SEA TURTLES are all engaging, surrounded by their theme of environmentalism. They have great potential as a read aloud both in the classroom and at home.

My favorite was the first person narration by Veronica who has doubts about all the fuss over climate change. After accompanying her environmental scientist aunt to Denmark for a speaking engagement, Veronica has a change of heart.

The title, We the Sea Turtles, relates to each story having the main character encountering a sea turtle–all in very different ways. The locations shine giving readers a trip around the world.

The cover image is one that you can’t resist the urge to look inside. Back pages include a summary of what is known about Sea and Snapping Turtles along with an insightful interview with the author.

Highly recommended for the intended audience, ages 9-14

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Kadarusman grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and has also lived in Indonesia and Canada. Her 2019 middle-grade novel Girl of the Southern Sea was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award and a Junior Library Guild selection. Her previous novel The Theory of Hummingbirds was a finalist for the Forest of Reading Silver Birch Award, the MYRCA Sundogs Award, and the SYRCA Diamond Willow Award. Michelle lives in Toronto, Canada, and is looking forward to soon spending more time in Australia. (Facebook Page)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.