Isle of Ever

In a prologue that occurs in 1825 Long Island, Evelyn Terry, having witnessed a strange man board a ship that she’s certain belongs to pirates, determines to record the event—and everything she observes thereafter—in her journal. The primary narrative then shifts to the present day, during which 12-year-old Benny, grieving the death of her grandmother, adjusts to another move—this time from Vermont to Boston—due to her mother’s difficulties securing permanent work. Then a lawyer enters the diner where her mother works and announces that he’s been searching for her and Benny for two years. He reveals that Benny is likely to inherit millions from her ancestor Evelyn Terry, but only if Benny can solve a mystery using clues left by Evelyn. If Benny fails to crack the case in the allotted time, however, a rival family stands to snag the prize instead. Realistic depictions of Benny’s moody relationship with her mother ground the overarching magical nature of this atmospheric fantasy ride by Calonita (Flunked). Excerpts of Benny’s research materials—including 19th-century books, newspaper clippings, and Evelyn’s weathered journals—add visual interest throughout. Characters read as white. Ages 10–13. Agent: Dan Mandel, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Mar.)