When Sea Becomes Sky - by Gillian McDunn

About the Book

Book Synopsis

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we'll always carry with us.

Bex and Davey's summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless--and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they're thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they've been waiting for.

When they learn of a development plan that will destroy their special spot, they'll need to act quickly. Unfortunately, sometimes progress happens whether you're ready or not. What will it mean if Bex and Davey lose their corner of the marsh where otters frolic and dragonflies buzz--their favorite place to be siblings together?

As Bex and Davey attempt to save the statue and their beloved marsh, they come to see that the truth is not as simple as it seems . . . ultimately discovering so much more about life, permanence, love, and loss than they ever expected.

Award-winning author Gillian McDunn crafts a gorgeous story of love and siblinghood, of secret statues and island life, of holding on and letting go.

Review Quotes

"A beauty of a story." --Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE

"A moving portrait of grief and growing up. . . . The narrative is gentle and compassionate. . . . McDunn offers a bittersweet ode to the heartbreakingly ephemeral periods in life, and this novel provides a possible path forward after loss, even if it cannot offer easy answers." --BCCB, starred review

"Written with immediacy and grace . . . fully engaging novel." --Booklist, starred review

"An undeniably beautiful story made for pondering and revisiting. . . . Considers big questions and appreciates quiet moments with mastery, compassion and care." --BookPage

"An expansive mystery starring two closely bonded siblings." --Publishers Weekly

"The pages shine with love, loss, and a sense of place. . . . A mystery that, as it is uncovered, becomes something much more profound." --Kirkus Reviews

"A novel full of heart, humor, and honesty. . . . Elliott is an instantly lovable character, and readers will be hooked from the very first chapter." --School Library Journal, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT

"McDunn has a talent for creating sympathetic characters. . . . This well-paced, heartfelt chapter book offers a lovable main character, a lively supporting cast, and a satisfying conclusion." --Booklist, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT

"McDunn (These Unlucky Stars) offers an affirming and nuanced depiction of empathetic and creative Elliott's experience of ADHD. . . . Elliott's relationship with his father, from whom he craves acceptance despite his dad's failure to acknowledge Elliott's specific challenges, is particularly inspiring as the two work toward openness and understanding." --Publishers Weekly, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT

"In a droll, engaging, self-effacing, and disarmingly open voice, Elliott narrates his story, providing realistic, firsthand insights into living with ADHD. A refreshingly honest exploration of family and friendship." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT

About the Author

Gillian McDunn is the award-winning author of Caterpillar Summer, The Queen Bee and Me, These Unlucky Stars, Honestly Elliott, the Schneider Family Book Award Honor winner, and When Sea Becomes Sky. Her books have been Parents magazine best book of the year, Kirkus Reviews best book of the year, and Junior Library Guild, IndieNext, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. When she isn't reading or writing, she is probably trying a new recipe, playing a board game, or learning something new. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, children, and a very silly dog named Friday.
www.gillianmcdunn.com @gillianmcdunn