Description: To draw tourists to their declining coastal town, a group of children claim to have seen a mythic creature from Ojibwe legend, the storm-monster Mishipeshu. But when their plan backfires, they'll need to convince everyone the beast is only make-believe. But. . . what if it isn't?
1943. Sparhawk Point, Michigan may be a small town, but it's home. For the Swedish Ahlstrom girls, it's the only place they've ever known--a place they may have to leave if their father's church can't find more parishioners. The Ojibwe Robicheaux boys are struggling, too: their father is off at war, and a lack of tourists means no income from their two rental cottages. These kids can't bear the thought of leaving. . . so they'll have to make new residents come to them, and fast. After spotting an unknown object in the water, they find their solution. Drawing on inspiration from Ojibwe stories of the mysterious Mishipeshu--the riser of storms on Lake Superior--the children spread stories of their very own "American Loch Ness monster" to bring curious visitors to their shores. But their plan works too well! People become afraid to visit. To save their families, they'll need to convince everyone that the creature isn't real. . . even if that may prove to be their biggest lie yet. Secrets at Sparhawk Point is a timeless summer adventure from acclaimed Ojibwe voice Anna Rose Johnson, whose first two books--The Star that Always Stays and The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry--have received an avalanche of awards, nominations, and media spots. This is another flawless, insightful, and glowing novel that marries a Native American perspective with myth, history, and a classic storytelling voice.Review Quotes: Omniscient third-person narration fluidly shifts among the four protagonists, granting insight into their individual challenges and shared bonds. . . . Details about the youths' cultural backgrounds, and their eagerness to share them with one another, add texture to a thoughtful story of community care.
--Publishers Weekly
--School Library Journal Ingrid's dream of becoming a newspaperwoman like her Aunt Ebba adds warmth, while details of daily life . . . keep the wartime stakes grounded. . . . A wholesome, warmhearted, faith-inflected adventure.
--Kirkus Reviews Johnson's middle-grade historical fiction novel offers a "you meddling kids" vibe with a 1940s linguistic twist, while drawing inspiration from the lore surrounding Lake Superior and its protection during WWII. Era-specific details . . . add a nifty touch, while the Ojibwe legend of the Mishi-Biizhiw and its protection of the lake's copper creatively fuels the rumors the children spread about the monster.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Every time I read a new Anna Rose Johnson novel I think, this is it. This is her best yet. I'd visit Sparhawk Point in a heartbeat with its picnics and sunsets and mysterious lake monster. What a delight it was to join Beatrice, Ingrid, Alex, and Jack in this tender, funny, and hopeful adventure.
--Caroline Starr Rose, author of May B. Anna Rose Johnson has created another heart-warming, family-centered story in Secrets of Sparhawk Point. A North American Loch Ness legend, a WWII home front setting, and young characters with big dreams come together in this story where the small actions of four children ripple through their community.
--Carolyn Leiloglou, award-winning author of The Restorationists Surprising twists abound... A sweet Homefront mystery set against the backdrop of World War II.
--Kirby Larson, Newbery Honoree and NYT Bestselling Author