Call Me Amy (Paperback) - Common

by Marcia Strykowski

Luminis Books presents this riveting tale of adventure, young love, and doing the right thing, no matter what the cost. For Amy Henderson, 1973 has been a lonely year of so many awkward moments she's actually lost count. Things turn around quickly when she assists in the rescue of an injured seal pup. To help save Pup, she forms an unlikely alliance with a questionable boy in a worn-out army jacket, as well as a peculiar older woman the kids in town refer to as "Old Coot."Amy soon finds that people aren't always what they seem, as she nurtures Pup back to health with the help of her two new companions, Craig and Miss Cogshell. Unexpected detours occur as an ill-intentioned harbormaster hunts down Pup and a group of nosy popular girls set their affections on Craig.As if these weren't obstacles enough, an even graver challenge presents itself soon thereafter, threatening the future of the entire town--and Amy's life as well.MAINE / SEAL PUPS / 1973 / COMING-OF-AGE / ADVENTURE / ROMANCE / MIDDLE-GRADE

Genres: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

CALL ME AMY, a Bank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year, was also shortlisted for the Crystal Kite Award. AMY'S CHOICE is the sequel. Next up was ROLLER BOY! Debut picture book coming in 2026. Living in New England, Marcia has always felt a connection to the ocean and its creatures. When she's not watching the waves, she works at a public library. To learn more about the author and her books, please visit:

blog/website: https://marciastrykowski.com/
twitter: http://twitter.com/MarciaStry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciastryk...
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/marciastryko...

Reviews

[Maura Nt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girls (12 yr old twins) and I read this on vacation. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. It's beautifully written with refreshing characters and a fun descriptive plot. I read online there will be a second book about Amy. We can't wait!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

CALL ME AMY is a sweet coming of age story set on the coast of Maine in the early ‘70s. Author Strykowski has created a setting rich with the details that evoke images of a Maine fishing village. She has developed her characters with skill, adding layers to their personalities until the reader cares about them.

Shy and self-conscious Amy loves the salty air of the village of Port Wells, the crashing waves and books. Keeping to herself has always suited her just fine, but this summer she is surprised when Craig, the most popular boy in school, entrusts her with a secret- a wounded harbor seal pup. Amy finds herself caught up in a mission, one that involves breaking the law and befriending an elderly woman whom Amy’s peers make fun of.

I rooted for Amy, Craig and Miss Cogshell as they cared for Pup and cheered for Amy as she grew bold enough to share her feelings for Craig and, eventually, speak out on an important issue that would benefit her beloved hometown. I highly recommend this book. A great read for middle-graders, young teens and anyone who loves Maine!

[Patty Falconer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy is exactly the type of book I love. The characters are relatable and likeable; they are individuals that the reader enjoys getting to know while watching them change and develop. The setting of the small Maine coastal town is idyllic, and the reader is quickly and completely immersed in this community. Although the novel takes place in the 1970s, it feels timeless. Young readers will readily associate with Amy’s struggles and triumphs with her relationships with family and friends, and mature readers will be gently nudged back to this period in their life. These universal qualities make this novel a perfect choice for many types of readers. As a Youth Services Librarian, I would enthusiastically recommend Call Me Amy to our young patrons as well as to a more adult audience. Because it can be enjoyed on so many levels, this novel would be an ideal source of discussion for an adult/child book group.

[Amanda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm in the midst of a terrible slump, and this didn't help. I picked it up because it takes place in a small town on the ocean in Maine, which seemed relateable at least to the extent that it is exactly how I'd like to be spending my summer. It's classified as "TEEN" - but make no mistake; the designation is quite different from young adult, which I'd never have realized without this book. TEEN is more like 3rd grade reading level (if that?) with references to zits. So thanks for that, Call Me Amy. Call *me* Fortitude-To-Trudge-Through-Amy.

[Pam Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Miss Cogshell, Amy and Craig are three people who normally wouldn't be seen as friends. However they are brought together as they try to save an injured seal pup. As their relationship grows the reader is drawn into their story and feels a connection to them. This is a heartwarming story of friendship and coming of age in the 70's that is timeless. This is a story that will be loved by Middle School boys and girls.

[Yvonne Ventresca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy is a delightful coming of age story. Amy forms new relationships to secretly care for an injured seal pup and soon realizes that people are not always what they seem to be. Her friendships bolster her bravery at the end of the story in a satisfying conclusion. The unique setting (1970s Maine) adds to the story's appeal.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 happy stars

[Meira Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

CALL ME AMY is a wonderful story whose three main human characters, Amy, Craig, and Miss Cogshell, aka Old Coot, and one adorable seal pup will find their way into your heart. Amy, Craig, and Miss Cogshell initially bond because of the seal pup, but they develop unexpected, deep friendships that take Amy and Craig in new directions. This is a poignant, well-written story with both humor and sadness. The ending is just right without being predictable. The characters are well-developed, and the setting, a small town on the Maine coast, is described beautifully, both in its geographical beauty and the joys and frustrations that can come with small-town life. I don't want to give away plot points, but I couldn't put this book down.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hit all of the right notes for me. Amy is a relatable character, and in Strykowski's hands her narration is sharp and full of interesting detail. I loved the small town coastal setting and the way the setting itself began to feel like a character in its own right. Warm and full of heart, this was a wonderful read that has me excited to find out what's next for Amy and her community.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet coming of age story with authentic teenage relationships. This book skillfully touches on themes of loss, friendship, abuse, the elderly and grief.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story. At first I thought I’d dnf it, but I kept reading and am glad I did. I related to Amy as a child (think “dork” 😂).

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

For teen Amy Anderson, 1973 has been lonely since her best friend moved away and has left her no one to talk to in the small, ocean-side town of Port Wells, Maine. At school Amy stays silent due to feeling lonely and awkward and is teased by the popular girls and called “shrimp” by local bad boy, Craig Miller. At home, Amy’s older sister also teases and annoys her while her parents tell her to stop moping.

This sweet story tells of Amy’s awakening to near-adulthood as she befriends the town’s crazy lady, Miss Cogshell, who everyone calls “Old Coot.” Amy always avoided the Old Coot’s house, but one day ends up having to deliver mail there. To her surprise, Amy ends up liking Miss Cogshell’s company and finds that her grandmother was best friends with the Old Coot. When Craig sees Amy one day down by the pier he confides that he has an abandoned and wounded seal pup and needs to find place where it can heal for a few weeks in secret. They turn to Miss Cogshell for help and as the weeks pass, the three of them form an unlikely friendship.

When Amy faces tough challenges she has to decide if she’s going to be the quiet girl forever, or use her new-found confidence and maturity to make a difference not only for her, but also the whole town. Teens looking for some realistic fiction with a bit of awakening romance, sister drama and newfound self-awareness, will enjoy this story. Characters are full of depth and interest and it’s hard to put down the story once Amy gets into the reader’s heart. The short length will appeal to reluctant readers.

[Julie Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy is set in 1973, making it a wonderfully nostalgic read for me as an adult. However, the journey of awkward teenager Amy from quiet, socially inept girl to independent young woman with a voice of her own is as relevant to children today as it ever was. Amy develops an inner strength and learns about herself as she tries to save an injured seal pup with the help of two other town misfits - Miss Cogshell, an eccentric old lady with hidden depths, and Craig Miller, an unruly boy from a broken home. The characters are believable and engaging and the story held my attention from beginning to end. Set on the coast of Maine, the area came to life for me in the words of the author - I've never been there, but could 'see' everything clearly. I loved this book - even though it did bring a tear to me eye, but a good one!

[Cynthia Neale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately identified with the protagonist, Amy, coming of age in a small coastal town in Maine in the 1970's.There is the very real awkwardness of a clever, sensitive, and intelligent teen who doesn't fit in with the usual crowd of teased hair, make-up slathered, and boy crazy girls. Amy is not willing to compromise and stays true to herself, albeit at times she feels too superior. Amy befriends Craig, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, Miss Cogshell, an elderly woman who is made fun of by the children in town, and together the three unlikely friends rescue an injured seal pup. The author beautifully weaves a tale of tender love and innocence with a challenge that ultimately changes the town and Amy. Marcia Strykowski is a children's author who is able to keep the attention and interest of adult readers and I look forward to her next novel.

[Christina Banach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy is a delightful coming-of-age story set in a small coastal town in Maine. I really enjoyed the 1970’s vibe throughout the story – it added to the book’s charm. Amy is an engaging protagonist: it was wonderful to see how she grew in confidence and developed as an individual as the book progressed. The supporting cast of characters is also well drawn, particularly those of the eccentric Miss Cogshell and Amy’s school friend, Craig. And then, of course, there is Pup the injured seal that Amy and her new friends rescue and nurse back to health. This is a beautifully written, gentle read that also addresses a few big issues. It’s a book that that will get under your skin and leave you desperate to read its sequel.

[Kate Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! It brought me back to the early 70s and a simpler way of life... yet not so different from these days. The characters were well developed and I found myself engaging with them. The book captures the awkwardness of the early teens years well, and yet doesn't make it so 'dated' that young people of today can't relate to it. Marcia captures the Maine coastal town well and depicts characters in a very real way. I really liked Amy, and was eager to learn more about Craig. Miss Cogshell reminded me of my great aunt in Maine. I found it to be a good story for middle school age kids, as mine are, yet, I enjoyed it too, as an adult.--Kate T., Hampstead Librarian

[Rebecca Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirteen year old Amy Henderson is lonely and insecure until she makes two unlikely friends in the form of an older woman, referred to by the local kids as “Old Coot”, and a loud-mouthed boy her own age who constantly calls her “Shrimp”. Together the three friends help to save an injured seal pup and in the process, Amy gains some much needed confidence. But then in an unexpected twist, Amy is left facing another challenge alone. I enjoyed reading about how Amy develops as a person and later copes with this final challenge. The author did a wonderful job developing Amy’s voice and placing us in 1970s rural Maine.

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy is a compelling and engaging story about a thirteen year old insecure girl living in a small fishing village in coastal Maine in the early seventies. Amy forms an alliance with a strange old lady, Ms. Cogshell, and a popular but sad boy Craig, to nurse to health an injured seal pup. Amy learns valuable lessons about people, and finds her courage and calling in life.
The characters in the story are well developed, and the author's descriptions are vivid and beautiful.
The book has a subtle but important message--don't be afraid to stand out and voice your opinion to make the world a better place. I can't wait to read the sequel book!

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweetly old-fashioned (and not wholly because of the 1970s setting), this book tells the story of Amy, an introverted, teen-aged Mainer whose best friend has moved away, Miss Cogshell, a former teacher, but now the town's "Old Coot," and Craig, popular, with a ready smile and ever-present army jacket.
Amy, Miss Cogshell, and Craig conspire to save a wounded baby seal, at the same time, of course, saving themselves.
Although I knew what the end result would be, that didn't prevent me from being, in turns, heartbroken and excited for the characters.
This is a good book for kids transitioning from J chapter books to YA.

[Sandown Public · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweetly old-fashioned (and not wholly because of the 1970s setting), this book tells the story of Amy, an introverted, teen-aged Mainer whose best friend has moved away, Miss Cogshell, a former teacher, but now the town's "Old Coot," and Craig, popular, with a ready smile and ever-present army jacket.
Amy, Miss Cogshell, and Craig conspire to save a wounded baby seal, at the same time, of course, saving themselves.
Although I knew what the end result would be, that didn't prevent me from being, in turns, heartbroken and excited for the characters.
This is a good book for kids transitioning from J chapter books to YA.
-Kirsten

[Bobbi Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a quaint coastal town in Maine, this coming-of-age story presents a timeless tale of friendship, teamwork and community responsibility. This book is filled with realized, relatable characters. Amy Anderson is the shy protagonist. The quirky Miss Cogshell is dubbed Old Coot by the town’s children. And the mysterious Craig, the most popular boy in class who doesn’t have any real friends. One day, Craig finds a stranded, injured seal pup and asks Amy to help him, and the three come together to save Pup. This book reminds me in many ways of Hoot, the 2003 Newbery Honor by Carl Hiaasen.

[Evelyn Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really liked this well-written, heart-warming story of a shy, young teen who forms two unlikely friendships--one with an elderly woman and one with a popular guy in her class. The three work together to try to save an injured seal pup and, in the process, Amy develops enough self-confidence that, at the end, she's able to take a stand on a project that benefits the whole community. [Note: I was delighted to receive a free copy of this book in a Goodreads drawing.]

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy is a bit of a loner with no friends. Then she starts hanging out at Miss Cogshell's house. Craig is not a loner, but he doesn't seem to have any true friends. When Craig finds a baby seal he asks Amy for help. They end up taking care of the seal pup at Miss Cogshell's house and become attached to each other. This is a story about friendship and responsibility and finding your place in the world.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wounded seal pup propels 13-year-old Amy Henderson into an unlikely alliance with an unusual older woman and a mysterious boy in a small Maine fishing village. Readers will cheer for Amy as she protects Pup, gains confidence, faces challenges, and comes up with an idea that could change not only the future of her village, but also, her own life. With a skillful hand, Strykowski introduces us to a small town with memorable characters and the girl who could bring them all together.

[Rachel Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy takes you back to the 70s in a Maine coastal town. Both the setting and characters are well-drawn, making the story come alive. Readers will identify with Amy, who struggles with the awkwardness of the teen years, but has a caring heart. She makes some unlikely friends as she tries to save a seal. The story has a great balance between tense and heartwarming scenes as Amy grows and changes. A wonderful, gentle book with a sweet message about looking beyond the surface.

[Mainerk8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! It brought me back to the early 70s and a simpler way of life... but not so different to these days, too. The characters were well developed and I found myself engaging with them. It captures the awkwardness of the early teens years well, and yet doesn't make it so 'dated' that teens of today can't relate to it.

[Jann Weeratunga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting for Call Me Amy, I could almost smell the seaweed and sea, in this small seaside town.
I also liked how the vulnerable Amy was thrown into an unlikely friendship with Craig in their pursuit to care for Pup, which created a tension that eased as the story progressed.
I think that young female readers will really enjoy this book.
A very enjoyable read

[NovElla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call Me Amy is an entertaining and well written book. I enjoyed reading about Amy’s adventures on the coast of Maine. As a quiet girl in middle school, Amy learns to push her own boundaries. This book is great for all ages.
I’m so excited for the upcoming release of Amy’s Choice.

[Dawn Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the author's story telling abilities. Wonderfully incorporated the animal and human connection.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- Nothing groundbreaking here, just a sweet, well-written story about a shy teenage girl who helps rescue an abandoned seal pup--and makes two life-changing friends in the process.