The Ocean's Way

For Middle Grade readers. What begins as a light-hearted adventure ends as a commitment, when eleven year old New York City girl Holly, uses her passion for poetry to win a grant writing contest to study marine life in Florida during Christmas vacation with her best friend, Jasmine. Holly looks forward to leaving the gray, winter skies of New York City behind. She imagines a carefree, fun in the sun adventure, but her optimism is short-lived.

Her fear of public speaking is highlighted as Holly learns she must present her findings at a school assembly program. Jasmine's family problems and her fear of flying and swimming create obstacles to Holly's idyllic expectations.

The contrast between the girls is heightened by revelations of their family lives and their different approaches to the world around them. Holly, the gentle poet, overcomes her fear of public speaking as she continues to grieve her father's death. Jasmine, the seemingly self-assured realist, battles her fears while dealing with the consequences of her alcoholic mother's neglect. Their friendship grows stronger as the girls accept each other's differences and limitations.

Environmental issues are understood and an appreciation of the balance of nature and the interaction between the animal world and the environment is gained, with visits to biomes and ecosystems, as they interact with dolphins, alligators, swamp wetlands and manatees. Holly vows to raise money to help stranded marine mammals as they participate in a heart-wrenching rescue of stranded pilot whales on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Throughout the story, questions are asked and answered in detail, as well-researched facts are imbedded in the dialogue and action. Since Holly writes poetry, some facts are written in unrhymed verse. Holly is particularly drawn to this world, and expresses interest in returning someday. She realizes the difference one person can make and hopes to be a catalyst for awareness and positive action.

The girls accept awards for their multi-media presentation at their school assembly. When Holly is asked to make closing remarks, she walks on stage with confidence. She recites her poem, "The Ocean's Way" which makes an analogy between the ebb and flow of the tide and the questions and answers churning in her head.

She overcomes fears and personal disappointments to reach her goals. Holly now understands how keeping the environment in balance insures continuity of all species.