Stormstruck!

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2015

Review

Grades 5-8 Sam overhears his parents discussing his elderly dog Pogo, and decides he must run away to save him. In Sam's case, this means loading Pogo into his small sailboat and sailing away from Fog Island, their home off the Maine coast. After a short stay on Malabar Island and discussing the situation with a hermit they find living there, Sam and Pogo load back into the boat with the intention of returning home. However, the temptation to sail to a local wreck, 10 miles beyond Malabar Island, proves too alluring.

Heavy fog and the cessation of the wind conspire to trap them. Without a motor, they can only drift. Darkness falls, and with it, a dangerous interaction with a tugboat and barge. Somehow, boy and dog remain in the boat, and the boat remains upright, long enough for them to drift to the wreck looming up from the sea. Here, Sam begins to reckon with the recent death of his brother Steve in Afghanistan as well as the looming death of his beloved dog.

Sam is faced with a predicament beyond his years. He struggles in a life and death situation, somehow keeping himself, Pogo and his would-be rescuer Magnus alive. Short chapters and heart-stopping action will keep readers engaged. Sam is a believable character, and shows maturity and resourcefulness representative of someone who has spent time upon the ocean. Sailors and others familiar with the sea will enjoy the authenticity of the nautical terms and Sam's quick thinking. His mistakes would be typical of a 12-year-old.

Despite his purported weaknesses, Pogo shows stamina through a storm and a swim in rough seas, which will be a relief for animal lovers.

The action is balanced by Sam's internal musings, his worry about his precarious situation, saving Pogo, and regret for mistakes made and the loss of Steve. Macfarlane has crafted an exceptional coming of age story; give this to fans of Gary Paulsen. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Cream nominee

Overall Book Score: excellent