It's hard being an animal lover in a fishing family.
Fourteen-year-old Maya sneaks out in her kayak before breakfast every morning to check on a family of sea otters living in the nearby bay. The animals Maya loves threaten her family's main source of income, and Maya doesn't know if she can trust her family not to hurt them. She is determined to protect the sea otters, no matter what. One morning, Maya discovers she's being watched. Who is it and what do they want? Soon Maya finds herself in a dangerous race to save both the sea otters and her family's livelihood.
"An interesting, nail-biting book filled with suspense, [and] an easy, quick read with no difficult words...Worth reading for entertainment and educational reasons."
– CM Magazine
"Features a high-energy plot rendered in accessible language...The narration is richly descriptive, so strongly visual readers will follow the story easily, and the breath-taking races and chase scenes create engaging drama and suspense...Provides an accessible, relevant reading experience for its intended audience."
– Resource Links
"This quick read for grades 7-10 has a strong female main character, and her storyline will hold readers' attention...The suspense will keep readers reading till the end. This is a good addition for libraries looking for high-interest easy reading books."
– Southwest Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group
YALSA Quick Picks nominee | 2013 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books | 2012 | Commended
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