When Sea Becomes Sky
Ebook
Ebooks are designed for reading and have few connections to your library.
Overview
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.
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.
Heartfelt and powerful depiction of family and loss, by award-winning author: This is the book of Gillian’s heart, inspired by her family history in a closer, more personal way than ever, and so Gillian has a really nuanced approach to grief and loss in her storytelling.
Robust category of emotionally resonant middle-grade: Gillian is in her element here, writing wonderful siblings with her trademark sweet and heartfelt storytelling. Her writing is honest, kid-friendly, and the emotional depth will hook in readers of all ages.
Critical potential: The simple but powerful storytelling here is similar to classics like The Bridge to Terabithia and Olive’s Ocean, and it has the potential for strong critical acclaim and award attention.
Fascinating exploration of art and writing: Bex’s somewhat unreliable narration is a compelling device, as she comes to understand so much more about the world in finding out the artist’s true intent with this statue-it’s thought-provoking and fresh, and will allow kids to explore their own art and writing in myriad ways. It will also give teachers a lot to work with.
Talented author to continue building: Gillian has proven herself to be amazing at self-promotion and school visits. Caterpillar Summer was an Indies Introduce pick, received two starred reviews, was a Texas Bluebonnet Pick, and landed on Parents, Kirkus, and Amazon Best Book lists. Queen Bee and These Unlucky Stars received a star each as well, and Honestly Elliott is very pitchable for lists.
A beauty of a story.
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.
Written with immediacy and grace...fully engaging novel.
An undeniably beautiful story made for pondering and revisiting . . . Considers big questions and appreciates quiet moments with mastery, compassion and care.
An expansive mystery starring two closely bonded siblings.
The pages shine with love, loss, and a sense of place. . . . A mystery that, as it is uncovered, becomes something much more profound.
A novel full of heart, humor, and honesty. . . . Elliott is an instantly lovable character, and readers will be hooked from the very first chapter.
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.
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.
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.
- Title: When Sea Becomes Sky
- Author: Gillian McDunn
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 288
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781547610860, 9781547614158, 1547614153, 1547610867
- Resource ID: LLS:9781547610860
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T15:18:44Z
Gillian McDunn is the author of Honestly Elliott, These Unlucky Stars, The Queen Bee and Me, and Caterpillar Summer, which received two starred reviews, and was selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, and Kirkus and Parents magazine Best Books of the Year lists. When she isn't reading or writing, she is probably baking gluten-free treats, traveling, or spending time with her family. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and children, and a very silly dog named Friday.
www.gillianmcdunn.com
@gillianmcdunn