The Cove

Gr 7 Up–A folk horror novel that follows a group of teens fighting for survival. ­Lindsay Weinberg is trouble; she skips class for weeks at a time, breaks all the rules, and is about to be expelled from yet another school. Her mostly absent parents decide to send her to live with Uncle Levi for the summer in rural Marbury, ME. When she arrives, her uncle is nowhere to be found, and she discovers Aunt Irene is running a labor camp for troubled teens. Lindsay is determined to escape, but with no cell service, internet, or neighbors, it seems impossible—until a trip into town reveals two strange siblings, Cass and Phin, who invite Lindsay to their nearby island town. After a wild night on the island and a friend going missing, Lindsay knows there is something sinister ­happening in Marbury. The novel’s slow pace may test some readers’ ­patience, as the first truly frightening ­moment doesn’t ­arrive until nearly halfway. ­Frequent references to horror films and cults feel forced, and an abrupt moment of addressing readers further disrupts the narrative. Lindsay’s sarcastic inner dialogue during the climax also feels inauthentic, leading to an ending with few real surprises. The race of the main character is not stated, but the supporting cast is diverse: one boy is described as Latine, another is described as having dark skin. There are also multiple LGBTQIA+ characters.