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Secrets at Sparhawk Point
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26To 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.
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.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Anna Rose Johnson
4 books315 followersStorytelling has always been a part of Anna Rose Johnson’s life—especially timeless tales tinged with vintage charm. She grew up fascinated by the early 20th century and now writes historical middle grade novels that reflect her love of classic children’s literature. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Anna Rose enjoys exploring her heritage through her stories, including her debut middle grade novel, The Star That Always Stays. Anna Rose lives on a farm in northern Wisconsin along with a delightful assortment of ponies, dogs, flowers, vegetables, and honey bees. You can visit her bookish blog at: http://annarosejohnson.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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April 26, 2026AHHHHHHH NEW ANNA ROSE JOHNSON BOOK GUYSSSS
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A slice of life gentle mystery for the historical fiction lover! I thoroughly enjoyed Anna Rose Johnson’s genre bend into middle grade mystery with a twist at the end I didn’t expect.
I especially appreciated the inclusion of two brothers in this tale. It felt very boxcar children series-esque.
This book includes references to God’s Word and teaches kids that small acts of service can make real impact in a community.
I especially appreciated the inclusion of two brothers in this tale. It felt very boxcar children series-esque.
This book includes references to God’s Word and teaches kids that small acts of service can make real impact in a community.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Anna Rose Johnson did a wonderful job of making me experience the world through the eyes of children from decades ago! I wanted to help the Ahlstrom girls and the Robicheaux brothers in their quest to preserve the small-town life they knew and loved! And I am also a fan of cryptic creatures, so even better! Will definitely be buying this book and reading it again! If ten star reviews existed, I’d give it ten!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Ah, I loved this book! The siblings' adventures were so entertaining and it had just the right amount of mystery. It was beautiful, fun, and lovely.
The characters were all wonderful, but my favorites were Ingrid and Alex. Their vivid imaginations were so, so fun. I found myself smiling every time they told another story about the monster.
Although this one wasn't quite as good as The Star that Always Stays, I still thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story and would recommend it to anyone who loves quiet historical fiction. Anna Rose Johnson has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and this book is one I'd read over and over again. It reminds me of The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, which is also one of my favorites.
I can't wait to buy it and read it again!
The characters were all wonderful, but my favorites were Ingrid and Alex. Their vivid imaginations were so, so fun. I found myself smiling every time they told another story about the monster.
Although this one wasn't quite as good as The Star that Always Stays, I still thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story and would recommend it to anyone who loves quiet historical fiction. Anna Rose Johnson has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and this book is one I'd read over and over again. It reminds me of The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, which is also one of my favorites.
I can't wait to buy it and read it again!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was a gentle historical fiction story with hints of mystery and a classic feel. Anna Rose Johnson invites the reader into the perspectives of two sisters from one family and two brothers from another, giving lots of opportunity for us to connect with their struggles and to root for them to figure it out all out in the end!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Review to come closer to publication.
Review to come closer to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Anna Rose Johnson did it again!! I was privileged to receive an advanced copy, and gobbled up the mystery and comic shenanigans while learning more about Ojibwe culture.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews