In Galveston, Texas, 12-year-old Dany is having a tough summer break. Her life seems boring and ordinary compared to the lives of her three siblings who excel at various endeavors. Besides, Dany is lonely and feels forgotten by her best friend Courtney, who moved to another city and immediately made new friends.
When Dany goes out boating with her dad, she’s plunged into the ocean when, unexpectedly, furious wind and waves knock her overboard. Dany struggles to rise to the surface again and again, but she’s unable to save herself. Suddenly, she’s aware of a creature beside her, helping and guiding her. When she catches her breath, she realizes it’s the blue-hued dolphin she saw earlier along with other members of its pod when she was on the boat with her dad.
Dany names her rescuer Blue. When Blue finally assists Dany to shore, she’s confused about where she has landed. Soon, she understands that Blue has led her to a shallow bayou from which he cannot return to the ocean without assistance.
As Hurricane Kai descends on Galveston, Blue’s predicament becomes even more serious than before. Dany is grateful that Blue returned her to her family. Now, she wonders how she can return Blue to his family out in the ocean.
As Dany is challenged to overcome her fears and to face obstacles to rescue Blue, she meets new friends and gains confidence she has never before experienced.
This adventure-packed novel for ages 8-12 is sure to entertain and inform readers about God’s creation of dolphins—their means of communication, communities, and physical needs and limitations. Children will also discover how wildlife rescue teams assist dolphins in distress. (Scholastic)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.