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.
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
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
Anna Rose Johnson is the author of acclaimed books The Star That Always Stays (A Michigan Notable Book, an NPR Best Book of the Year, a Lamplighter Nominee, a Christy Amplify Award Winner, and a Bank Street Best Book of the Year), The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry (recipient of three starred reviews and a glowing feature in The Banner), and the forthcoming The Blossoming Summer. She is also a journalist, blogger, and seasoned correspondent for Inside Gymnastics. Anna Rose is passionate about historical fiction, the Native experience, and writing for children.
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.
Praise
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
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
Author
Anna Rose Johnson is the author of acclaimed books The Star That Always Stays (A Michigan Notable Book, an NPR Best Book of the Year, a Lamplighter Nominee, a Christy Amplify Award Winner, and a Bank Street Best Book of the Year), The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry (recipient of three starred reviews and a glowing feature in The Banner), and the forthcoming The Blossoming Summer. She is also a journalist, blogger, and seasoned correspondent for Inside Gymnastics. Anna Rose is passionate about historical fiction, the Native experience, and writing for children.
