Written by Christine Day
The Sea in Winter is a compelling, heartwarming story about facing the loss of a dream and finding your life again after a traumatic injury. Maisie, a Native American girl, is going through a challenging time in life. She is an aspiring ballerina who tears her ACL and is recovering from surgery. Although she is making strides, her struggles have set her in a depression. With the support of her family – mom, stepdad, and younger brother Connor – and lots of physical therapy, Maisie’s knee has mended enough that she is permitted to take a family hike along the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. As her family heads out for their road trip during midwinter break, Maisie’s dark mood doesn’t improve, nor does the pain in her knee. During the trip, Maisie learns the history of her Native American ancestors. She is Makah on her mother’s side, who grew up on the northwestern part of Washington State. Maisie’s dad was Piscataway, growing up on the Chesapeake Bay. The Native histories her parents share, help her to have the strength to really heal.
This is a sweet story of how one can overcome trials and move on. It is a great book for children facing failure or not being able to control their emotions.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Media Clerk, Whittier Elementary School Library
Review shared in January 2022
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades: 5-7
Author Website: www.bychristineday.com
The Sea in Winter
Written by Christine Day
Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
250 pages
Release Date: January 5, 2021
ISBN: 9780062872050 (paperback) / 9780062872043 (hardcover)
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
