Storm Tide

Gr 5—8—With his mom and dad off-island, Simon is looking forward to enjoying some free time. However, a freak storm blows in, and he is torn between his responsibilities at the lighthouse that he and his family call home and discovering the identity of a mysterious stranger who arrives just before the storm begins. After Simon and his sister Ellen rescue the man from nearly drowning, they realize that he's connected to a perplexing mystery—hidden treasure buried somewhere on the island. They resolve to find an ancient artifact that once belonged to Juan de Fuca as a way to save their lighthouse from being closed by the government. Though the Canadian island setting and race against all odds are compelling, readers who are not familiar with the ocean, sailing, or nautical terms will have a hard time visualizing much of the action. Further weighing down the story is the forced dialogue that seems even more artificial in the remote setting. Finally, readers will feel as disappointed as Simon in the anticlimactic ending. Struggling readers, especially those on the East coast, may not have the background knowledge to understand the significance of the treasure or know who the explorer is. Steer clear of Storm Tide.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL