Beyond the Bright Sea

Several central characters populate Wolk’s New England coming-of-age novel. The protagonist, Crow, at 12, has begun asking questions about her past as an abandoned baby—questions that neither her taciturn foster father, Osh, nor their matter-of-fact neighbor Miss Maggie are equipped to answer. As the story unfolds, the three characters venture forth from their tiny island off Cape Cod to discover the truth about Crow’s lost family, encountering unexpected dangers along the way. Marie is a sensitive narrator whose characterizations are unique and often power- ful. She excels at playing Osh, who speaks little but communicates much, ensuring his deep love for Crow shines through in his brief and sometimes stern dialogue. Marie also provides interesting performances for the loyal Miss Maggie and several island residents, as well as for the villain of the piece: a cold-blooded treasure hunter who is determined to unearth the secrets of Crow’s past before she does. Marie handles the challenge of three leading characters with ease, keeping listeners captivated throughout. Ages 10–up. [em]A Dutton hardcover. (May) [/em]