The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Marina in the Middle

(Hardback)

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Description

From an acclaimed author comes a cheerful, uplifting story of family and belonging, the first in a series perfect for fans of the Vanderbeekers and the Penderwicks.

If you want to get to know eleven-year-old Samantha Ali-O'Connor, you need to know three things:

One, she isn't the only one of her siblings who is adopted, but she is the only one whose name isn't inspired by the ocean.

Two, she and Harbor always compete with each other to be the best Oldest Sibling-and just about everything else.

And three, she is determined to prove she's a real Ali-O'Connor by taking over the family business, repairing and chartering boats.

Except there's a Capital-P Problem: Her mothers have been Serious Whispering about selling the business before summer's end! Sam needs to come up with a plan, quick, before Harbor finds out. And before Sam loses her chance to inherit the business and be an Ali-O'Connor forever.

Reviews

Praise forThe Science of Being Angry:
"Moments of madcap humor and familial warmth characterize this emotionally generous summer tale from Melleby, which showcases the authors command of fully realized characterization and distinct relationship dynamics.Publishers Weekly
"Layered family dynamics run through the heart of this character-driven story in which the love and devotion shared are as sure as the tides An enjoyable and heartwarming read.Kirkus
"This emotional read shows the power of friendship and family without omitting the work that goes into loving someone."Booklist, starred review
"A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy contemplative, character-driven stories like those by Ashley Herring Blake."School Library Journal, starred review
The Ali-O'Connors are an appealing bunch, each with their own quirks and foibles. The rivalry between Sam (who is adopted) and slightly older sister Harbor (Mom's biological child) is both believable and heart-wrenching at times; Marina (also adopted) is book-loving and reserved; and younger twins Cordelia and Lir (Mama's biological children) add humorous, relatable moments to the story. Perhaps most heartwarming is the tentative alliance that develops between Sam and Harbor as they team up to help Mom.
Booklist
Praise forHow to Become a Planet:
"Sprinkled with astronomy-related metaphors related to a planets properties, this acutely observed, authentically told tale by Melleby thoughtfully portrays Plutos relationship with her worried single mother, the girls urgent desire to 'be fixed,' and her intenseand at times overpoweringdepressive episodes."Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A raw yet honest portrayal of a young persons experience with depression, this is a must-read for both middle grade readers and the teachers, counselors, parents, and other adults who interact daily with youth undergoing similar experiences."School Library Journal, starred review
Praise forIn the Role of Brie Hutchens. . .:
"This funny, tender, and heart-wrenching story will have readers calling for an encore."Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Melleby paints Brie as a recognizable teen. . . Wrenching and genuine."Publishers Weekly, starred review
Praise forHurricane Season:
"Melleby deftly tackles weighty topicsmental illness, child protective services, single parenting, sexualitywhile effortlessly weaving in elements of the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, creating a thoughtful, age-appropriate and impressive novel."Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Mellebys debut offers a tender, earnest portrait of a daughter searching for constancy while negotiating her fathers sickness and the social challenges of tween girlhood, including her first crush on a girl."Publishers Weekly, starred review

Author Bio

Nicole Melleby, a New Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season,ALA Notable book How to Become a Planet, Camp QUILTBAG (co-written with A. J. Sass), and The House on Sunrise Lagoon series. She's also the author ofSunny and Oswaldo, her debut picture book.She lives with her wife and their cats, whose need for attention oddly aligns with Nicoles writing schedule. Visit her online at nicolemelleby.com.