Description
This exciting middle-grade adventure is Hoot for the Gilded Age-with scientific discoveries, secret plots, and surprisingly enormous fauna.
When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel-and save the new species from destruction.
About the Author
Samantha San Miguelgrew up barefoot in South Florida. Living in this wild, diverse, and exuberant state taught Samantha a lifelong respect for the natural world with both its dangers and delights. Working there as an adult taught her a love for the colorful personalities that crowd the state's borders. And leaving it taught her that whether in Florida, Cuba, or anywhere else in the world, you can never be an exile if there's sunshine in your heart.
Reviews
"San Miguel concocts a comical and exciting tale that leads to a wild, suspenseful, storm-tossed climax while weaving in thoughtful ruminations on the necessity of giving science, people, and nature their just dues, too." - Booklist, Starred Review
"This exceptionally well-written written story gives a nod to the era's fascination with creepy hauntings and dastardly secrets as it expertly transports readers into the atmosphere of 19th-century Florida, uniting well-drawn, nuanced characters with imaginative and tension-building plot twists.... Pure storytelling at its best."- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Algie has a winsome urgency that makes him likable.... His relationships with his family and new friends are realistic and evolve as Algie, Frankie, and Lulu face dangerous adults. In the life-threatening denouement, Algie displays a nuanced empathy for others." - School Library Journal
"San Miguel's lively story engages deeply with the power of pretending. Algie has little to no life experience of his own thanks to his health troubles and the shielding arm of his mother. But he does have a plethora of practical knowledge thanks to his bookishness. When times get tough, he embodies the brave scientist he wishes to become: he straightens his back, fixes his umbrella cap firmly onto his head and dives head first into danger. Algie's heroism in times of uncertainty reminds us that empathy, not knowledge, is the greatest good of all." - Shelf Awareness
"Adventure, gargantuan creatures, and circus acts-Samantha San Miguel's debut middle grade novel has it all . . . . This book was an absolute delight."-MUGGLENET
"This fast-paced middle grade novel is a treat to read, one of those luxurious things that will take you places from the comfort of your own home and let you travel far and wide-one of the true joys of reading . . . . This ideal summer read is full of adventure and deceit, with wonderful descriptions of the environment and great, witty dialogue."-GEEKDAD
"What middle-aged child doesn't love secret plots, cool science, and a curse? . . . . Children aged 8-12 will love this comedic and exciting scientific mystery book by Samantha San Miguel." -Daily Mom
Book Information
ISBN 9781454937623
Author Samantha San Miguel
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Union Square Kids
Publisher Union Square & Co.
When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel-and save the new species from destruction.
About the Author
Samantha San Miguelgrew up barefoot in South Florida. Living in this wild, diverse, and exuberant state taught Samantha a lifelong respect for the natural world with both its dangers and delights. Working there as an adult taught her a love for the colorful personalities that crowd the state's borders. And leaving it taught her that whether in Florida, Cuba, or anywhere else in the world, you can never be an exile if there's sunshine in your heart.
Reviews
"San Miguel concocts a comical and exciting tale that leads to a wild, suspenseful, storm-tossed climax while weaving in thoughtful ruminations on the necessity of giving science, people, and nature their just dues, too." - Booklist, Starred Review
"This exceptionally well-written written story gives a nod to the era's fascination with creepy hauntings and dastardly secrets as it expertly transports readers into the atmosphere of 19th-century Florida, uniting well-drawn, nuanced characters with imaginative and tension-building plot twists.... Pure storytelling at its best."- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Algie has a winsome urgency that makes him likable.... His relationships with his family and new friends are realistic and evolve as Algie, Frankie, and Lulu face dangerous adults. In the life-threatening denouement, Algie displays a nuanced empathy for others." - School Library Journal
"San Miguel's lively story engages deeply with the power of pretending. Algie has little to no life experience of his own thanks to his health troubles and the shielding arm of his mother. But he does have a plethora of practical knowledge thanks to his bookishness. When times get tough, he embodies the brave scientist he wishes to become: he straightens his back, fixes his umbrella cap firmly onto his head and dives head first into danger. Algie's heroism in times of uncertainty reminds us that empathy, not knowledge, is the greatest good of all." - Shelf Awareness
"Adventure, gargantuan creatures, and circus acts-Samantha San Miguel's debut middle grade novel has it all . . . . This book was an absolute delight."-MUGGLENET
"This fast-paced middle grade novel is a treat to read, one of those luxurious things that will take you places from the comfort of your own home and let you travel far and wide-one of the true joys of reading . . . . This ideal summer read is full of adventure and deceit, with wonderful descriptions of the environment and great, witty dialogue."-GEEKDAD
"What middle-aged child doesn't love secret plots, cool science, and a curse? . . . . Children aged 8-12 will love this comedic and exciting scientific mystery book by Samantha San Miguel." -Daily Mom
Book Information
ISBN 9781454937623
Author Samantha San Miguel
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Union Square Kids
Publisher Union Square & Co.
