Tiffany D. Jackson is the successful author of many YA titles and a few picture books. Now she has taken the leap into middle grade with BLOOD IN THE WATER, a story sure to please readers who enjoy a thrilling mystery.

It’s listed as a book for 4-7th graders, but I know parents might be wary of what the story is about given the title and cover picture. No worries as there is only one bloody nose and frequent references to shark attacks. The main story centers around an endearing 12-year-old girl.

Set in Martha’s Vineyard, Kaylani McKinnon is spending the summer there to escape a ongoing family crisis in Brooklyn. Her dad is in jail and she desperately wants to prove he did nothing wrong. Instead she has to stay with family friends who also have two other kids staying there for the summer. They are both rather obnoxious toward Kaylani.

She tries her best to enjoy the beaches and all the Black history within the area. But then Chadwick, a popular teenage boy who has been helping Kayla fit in, is suddenly found dead. Some think it was a shark attack or possibly an accidental drowning.. Even the possibility of murder is brought forth. Having experienced her dad’s trial, Kaylani has been learning how to be a lawyer. She tries to solve the mystery and uncovers shocking secrets which could eventually lead to her own demise.

The suspenseful, first person narration takes readers right to the thrilling conclusion. Kaylani is a brave and truthful girl who would prefer to have a kid like summer. Yes, BLOOD IN THE WATER is a middle grade novel. No nightmares but plenty of page turning scenes that will have you guessing again and again as who is responsible for boy’s death. Highly recommended for the 9-13 age group.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 1, 2025. PAGES: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: BLOOD IN THE WATER by Tiffany D. Jackson

1. The character arcs for Kaylani and her former friend, London, are masterfully done. It’s hard to like London through most the plot, but by the end you will like her a lot more.
2. The world building is excellent. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but now I have a good picture in my head as to what it is like.
3. The focus on values and never giving up were a solid foundation for the story. Misconceptions are rampant and many young readers will have experienced the same thing based on their family circumstances.
4. Miles is the brother of the deceased boy and he provides a heartwarming friendship with Kaylani. A great secondary character.
5. Some coming attraction videos are nothing but pictures of the book jacket while you hear the voice over of the plot. Scholastic took the time to develop a perfect one for this book:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tiffany D. Jackson is the NYT Bestselling, award-winning author of YA novels Monday’s Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, Grown, White Smoke, Santa in The City, The Weight of Blood, Marvel’s STORM: Dawn of a Goddess andco-author of Blackout and Whiteout. A Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner and the NAACP Image Award-nominee, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University and has over a decade in TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native is currently splitting her time between the borough she loves and the south, most likely multitasking.

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