Imagine staying in a rustic cabin, off and on, with your Gran, away out on a remote island in
British Columbia--where all the other kids are, unfortunately, either teenagers or babies! That's how our heroine finds herself in Becca at Sea, by Deirdre Baker. While Becca's mom is expecting a new baby brother or sister, our main character goes to visit on the island and each chapter is an unfolding of adventures with quirky characters--either family or friends. On her first night there, Gran hauls her out in the dark to harvest oysters and in one shell she discovers 17 pearls! It is a foreshadowing of the unexpected treasured times to come. The adventures continue: dealing with a sinking dinghy, kissing a seal, skinny dipping, sailing a boat for the first time, swimming all the way round the island. But the story is also about learning to deal with her outspoken relatives and about finding new friends in unforeseen places. In the end Becca gains confidence in herself, insights into her family, and a new baby sister, who she christens "Pinny." Becca's character grows as she deals with the other "characters" she encounters. A gentle, episodic journey, with just enough spunk.
British Columbia--where all the other kids are, unfortunately, either teenagers or babies! That's how our heroine finds herself in Becca at Sea, by Deirdre Baker. While Becca's mom is expecting a new baby brother or sister, our main character goes to visit on the island and each chapter is an unfolding of adventures with quirky characters--either family or friends. On her first night there, Gran hauls her out in the dark to harvest oysters and in one shell she discovers 17 pearls! It is a foreshadowing of the unexpected treasured times to come. The adventures continue: dealing with a sinking dinghy, kissing a seal, skinny dipping, sailing a boat for the first time, swimming all the way round the island. But the story is also about learning to deal with her outspoken relatives and about finding new friends in unforeseen places. In the end Becca gains confidence in herself, insights into her family, and a new baby sister, who she christens "Pinny." Becca's character grows as she deals with the other "characters" she encounters. A gentle, episodic journey, with just enough spunk.
Becca at Sea shares a series of realistic glimpses about growing up, that make the reader want to know what happens once the last page has been read. While it doesn't have huge ups & downs or revelations, it stays with you after you put it down.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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