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Surfside Girls #1
The Secret of Danger Point
Now an Apple Original from Apple TV+!
Sun... sand... and spooky adventures!
Things are getting weird in Surfside. Lately, Samantha’s best friend Jade explodes into fits of giggles whenever she sees a boy, and it’s throwing a wrench into the kick-back summer of surfing and hanging out that Sam had planned. But after swimming through a secret underwater cave, Sam starts to… see things. Like ghosts. And pirates. And maybe something even scarier! Can she and Jade get to the bottom of this mystery in time to save their town?
2018 Pubwest Design Awards - Silver Winner for Graphic Album, New Material
Sun... sand... and spooky adventures!
Things are getting weird in Surfside. Lately, Samantha’s best friend Jade explodes into fits of giggles whenever she sees a boy, and it’s throwing a wrench into the kick-back summer of surfing and hanging out that Sam had planned. But after swimming through a secret underwater cave, Sam starts to… see things. Like ghosts. And pirates. And maybe something even scarier! Can she and Jade get to the bottom of this mystery in time to save their town?
2018 Pubwest Design Awards - Silver Winner for Graphic Album, New Material
230 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
136 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
August 28, 2017
Sweet beachside tween mystery covering gentrification. Loved seeing girls on surfboards, skateboards and solving a mystery with no boys at all.
January 28, 2018
This low-key adventure might appeal to younger readers but was too sedate for me. And I never warmed to the art style with its odd faces and heads.
April 10, 2019
I have been so excited to find this graphic novel. I love the ocean, surfing, and middle grade graphic novels so it’s a win, win, win! What’s not to love!? The Secret of Danger Point is a fun, quick story of two surfer girls; Jade and Samantha. While hanging out on the beach they come across a cave at Danger Point that is filled with ghosts that need their help.
Danger Point has a development project underway for a new resort which will affect access for locals to the beach. Samantha and Jade work with the ghosts to uncover who the developer is and how to stop the project.
I was really hoping for beautiful surfing artwork to highlight a Southern California beach, and it WOW! It does! I loved the art and the girls were fun to follow. They were a bit boy crazy but also had a love for the beach. If I had one request I would have loved to see more surfing photos!
I am not disappointed though and I cannot wait to review the next in the series...The Mystery at the Old Rancho(Surfside Girls 2).
https://colecampfireblog.com/2019/04/...
Danger Point has a development project underway for a new resort which will affect access for locals to the beach. Samantha and Jade work with the ghosts to uncover who the developer is and how to stop the project.
I was really hoping for beautiful surfing artwork to highlight a Southern California beach, and it WOW! It does! I loved the art and the girls were fun to follow. They were a bit boy crazy but also had a love for the beach. If I had one request I would have loved to see more surfing photos!
I am not disappointed though and I cannot wait to review the next in the series...The Mystery at the Old Rancho(Surfside Girls 2).
https://colecampfireblog.com/2019/04/...
October 14, 2017
I liked the close friendship between the two girls and how they skateboard together (breaking gender stereotypes) and are intelligent and interested in nature and the news, etc. I also really like how they aren’t competitive, but instead support each other at every turn and learn from each other. That being said, this book was just....meh to me. Everything about the plot was so predictable and cliché. It also bothered me that the girls had the exact same body type, and the ghostly love interest sent up some red flags for me by getting too friendly with her (touching her hair, kissing her cheek) without asking. Would have been a nice chance to model consent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
I quite enjoyed this quiet little graphic novel! The art was beautiful, and the colours sublime. The watercolours really fit the story well. The story itself was cute, but maybe a little simple (and the supernatural part maybe a little confusing?) But the characters were great, and this was such an earnest read that it's hard to find faults.
April 17, 2024
Surfer girls meet Nancy Drew, and Bess.
May 1, 2021
3.5* This story is like Disney's Rip Girls meets Casper. A cute, summertime adventure story for pre-teens that includes true friendship, land ownership, first-time crushes, and endangered species.
August 30, 2017
It's the middle school version of GHOST by Raina Telgemeier! A sweet graphic novel that 5th/6th graders will LOVE. I am going to select a 6th grader to read it first & hopefully steer it through middle school before the younger grades see it! No worries about younger students taking it home, though, like with THIS ONE SUMMER. It's innocent. I'm also glad to see that the two girls in the story didn't grow apart because of boys, like in many books (one likes boys and the other isn't interested at first). These girls stick together while skateboarding, paddle boarding, and solving a spooky mystery! Oh, and there's pirate bootie! Wonder if they will meet Fish Girl on the beach? And why are so many graphic novels set in CA?
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August 8, 2017This is a fun and charming kids graphic novel about friends and family and mostly ghosts!
December 9, 2017
Very cute! I hope there are more of these.
January 15, 2019
I can see who it is pandering to, and I definitely have readers for it at my school, but mostly I found it annoying.
June 28, 2018
This was cool. It covers a lot - endanger species, land use and politics, friendships as puberty hits and dating starts, and then, some ghosts.
I look forward to the next one.
I look forward to the next one.
February 9, 2021
"I like this book because Samantha & Jade love swimming and I love swimming also. I like that there were no boys in this book." -Cadee, age 8
October 19, 2023
Reading this book was overall a rather mediocre experience. Nothing about it made me stop and think, nothing about it seemed to hold any meaning. It all just felt like a superficial clump of cliches.
However, I could be going about this all wrong—perhaps this book wasn’t meant to be incredibly profound, wasn’t meant to provoke an epiphany in every reader. Most other reviews seem to agree that this book was supposed to be a relatable summer experience of an average tween, and that’s okay! If it had been done right.
The characters didn’t feel real, didn’t feel as if they were people plucked right out of your life. The way they interacted with each other and the world around them didn’t feel real either, specifically in terms of dialogue, an incredibly crucial part of graphic novels. There isn’t much description in graphic novels, so dialogue really is important for portraying your characters. The dialogue did not do that for this book. The personality traits of the characters were sort of just outright stated instead of being expressed through how the characters go about things.
Additionally, the struggles the characters had to deal with didn’t really seem relatable. Obviously, there are supernatural elements to this book, but that doesn’t mean the characters’ struggles have to be completely different from your average teen’s.
Third, the romance. It was an absolute dumpster fire. A ghost who has been dead for who knows how long and a twelve year old girl? WHAT? Besides this rather disturbing age gap, the writing of the romance was also absolutely terrible. They were sort of just shoved at each, and their relationship wasn’t really developed further. This is something I noticed an awful lot with this book—so many weak plot points that literally meant nothing in the end.
Overall, the writing was just mid and could have been done so much better. Middle grade readers deserve so much better, there is absolutely nothing wrong with writing a good middle—grade book.
However, I could be going about this all wrong—perhaps this book wasn’t meant to be incredibly profound, wasn’t meant to provoke an epiphany in every reader. Most other reviews seem to agree that this book was supposed to be a relatable summer experience of an average tween, and that’s okay! If it had been done right.
The characters didn’t feel real, didn’t feel as if they were people plucked right out of your life. The way they interacted with each other and the world around them didn’t feel real either, specifically in terms of dialogue, an incredibly crucial part of graphic novels. There isn’t much description in graphic novels, so dialogue really is important for portraying your characters. The dialogue did not do that for this book. The personality traits of the characters were sort of just outright stated instead of being expressed through how the characters go about things.
Additionally, the struggles the characters had to deal with didn’t really seem relatable. Obviously, there are supernatural elements to this book, but that doesn’t mean the characters’ struggles have to be completely different from your average teen’s.
Third, the romance. It was an absolute dumpster fire. A ghost who has been dead for who knows how long and a twelve year old girl? WHAT? Besides this rather disturbing age gap, the writing of the romance was also absolutely terrible. They were sort of just shoved at each, and their relationship wasn’t really developed further. This is something I noticed an awful lot with this book—so many weak plot points that literally meant nothing in the end.
Overall, the writing was just mid and could have been done so much better. Middle grade readers deserve so much better, there is absolutely nothing wrong with writing a good middle—grade book.
June 15, 2019
At its heart this is a sweet story with a little mystery and a lot of positive points about self esteem and friendship, etc. However, there are quite a few really problematic things. Also, just casual ghost BFs, nbd?
November 28, 2017
Well... I'm partial. But I like it a lot. You should read it and I hope you like it too!
December 4, 2019
This is the kind of book I could read all day. And I've gotta say.. I was on the fence about graphic novels, but they're starting to grow on me. This story is fast-moving, creative and full of fun. Sam and Jade are regular girls who get thrown into an impossible fantasy situation and it is just pure, delightful FUN. There's nothing complex about it, it's just good old-fashioned adventure for teenage girls. I was legitimately sweating when Sam snuck out. I think it was the illustrations that made it seem that much more real and accessible. Never thought I would say that... but it did! The old lady pouring tea from an iron to make her story less credible was a genius move and really added some unexpected flavor to the story. And I also enjoyed that in the beginning Sam is annoyed with Jade for being embarrassing around boys and then at the end - she gets it. A book I will be sharing with my daughter for sure.
April 17, 2018
The story felt oddly paced and really didn't do much for me; too many unexplored elements and sidetracking leached depth from the proceedings. But the pleasing art and clean, fun interplay between the characters make for a decent read for younger comic readers looking for graphic novels beyond Telgemeier, Jamieson, etc.
August 14, 2025
When Samantha and Jade find out someone wants to develop a popular stretch of beach in their town they go and investigate. Samantha manages to find a way into the locked and gated site and finds herself face to face with some ghosts from varying time periods. Mr. Wu, one of the ghosts tasks her with finding a way to stop the development.
When Sam brings Jade to Danger Point to see things for herself, Jade cannot see the ghosts. Now Sam has two problems to solve - getting her friend to believe her and, find a way to stop construction on the site.
When Sam brings Jade to Danger Point to see things for herself, Jade cannot see the ghosts. Now Sam has two problems to solve - getting her friend to believe her and, find a way to stop construction on the site.
December 13, 2017
Perfect for tweens who enjoy graphic novels--babysitter club, smile, real friends, etc.
February 2, 2019
A perfect GN for upper elementary or middle school students. Full of adventure, ghosts, and two cute girls who are independent.
September 25, 2019
Cute summer-y book. 3.5 stars
May 4, 2020
Super cute/fun read! Really nice art.
June 25, 2019
A darling summery middle school graphic novel mystery! I felt like I was at the beach with these bffs! This read super quickly and I longed to head to the beach after reading it. :-)
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 31, 2021
Such a fun and summery graphic novel with a mystery and cute ghost boys!😊
October 7, 2017
Abrupt, disjointed, although I can see its intended audience (tweets and particularly girls) enjoying the adventure.
August 15, 2023
My kid picked this out for me to read, which is a fun way to discover books! The mysteries really piled on, and so did the serendipitous solutions. I liked the surfer town vibe and talking to my kid about it.
February 17, 2024
Ummm this book was ADORABLE!
Ghosts, mystery, crushes, girl heroes!!! What more can you need? Lighthearted and fun to read. The illustrations are beautiful and sunny! Makes me want to go surfing. I may or may not be about to go and find myself a st. Christopher necklace to buy myself after reading this adorable graphic novel.
Oh and I want to purchase a hard copy of this and any other by the author for my personal collection.
Ghosts, mystery, crushes, girl heroes!!! What more can you need? Lighthearted and fun to read. The illustrations are beautiful and sunny! Makes me want to go surfing. I may or may not be about to go and find myself a st. Christopher necklace to buy myself after reading this adorable graphic novel.
Oh and I want to purchase a hard copy of this and any other by the author for my personal collection.
August 16, 2022
Amazing, and intresting really recommend this series.
June 22, 2018
This graphic novel read-alike to Telgemeier's Ghosts takes place in a southern California coastal town, where the protagonist and her friend are starting summer with plenty of time to surf, observe nature, take lifeguarding or cello classes, skateboard, bike, and investigate a mystery involving ancient pirate ghosts and prime beachfront development property.
The watercolor illustrations are clear and lively, the text uncluttered, and the dialogue mostly realistic for the twelve-year-old characters and their family, friends, locals, and ghosts, in a pleasing combination that is just right for the readership. This will be a quick read, and it'd be great for Samantha & Jade to have further adventures.
I see a few faults in this book, which may loom larger for some than for others; (1) The mystery is too neatly resolved, which is annoying - like being told the answer before you've had a chance to work it out on your own. (2) The leisurely pace of the first half of the book gets rushed without having the action or tension increase at the same rate in the second half. Younger readers (ages 7 to 9) may be fine with this, but 10- to 13-year-olds may feel condescended to or just feel like the book is disappointing. (3) Also, on page 53, when a sheet from Jade's notebook explains their code-word "peanut butter," which is otherwise a great example of close friends having their special secret communications, the two examples used are both body-shaming, which makes it clear that it's not just coincidence that both main characters are tall, lean girls. It was gratuitous, and not funny. (4) Finally, the ghosts are of a variety of ethnicities and they are all given short shrift. Jade seems to be Asian, and I almost thought her real-estate-employed mother was going to have a tie-in to the one Asian ghost who is featured prominently, but she is left to be a secondary character to the lighter-skinned, red/blonde/light-brown-haired main character.
Despite these few faults, I believe young readers will enjoy this pleasant story.
The watercolor illustrations are clear and lively, the text uncluttered, and the dialogue mostly realistic for the twelve-year-old characters and their family, friends, locals, and ghosts, in a pleasing combination that is just right for the readership. This will be a quick read, and it'd be great for Samantha & Jade to have further adventures.
I see a few faults in this book, which may loom larger for some than for others; (1) The mystery is too neatly resolved, which is annoying - like being told the answer before you've had a chance to work it out on your own. (2) The leisurely pace of the first half of the book gets rushed without having the action or tension increase at the same rate in the second half. Younger readers (ages 7 to 9) may be fine with this, but 10- to 13-year-olds may feel condescended to or just feel like the book is disappointing. (3) Also, on page 53, when a sheet from Jade's notebook explains their code-word "peanut butter," which is otherwise a great example of close friends having their special secret communications, the two examples used are both body-shaming, which makes it clear that it's not just coincidence that both main characters are tall, lean girls. It was gratuitous, and not funny. (4) Finally, the ghosts are of a variety of ethnicities and they are all given short shrift. Jade seems to be Asian, and I almost thought her real-estate-employed mother was going to have a tie-in to the one Asian ghost who is featured prominently, but she is left to be a secondary character to the lighter-skinned, red/blonde/light-brown-haired main character.
Despite these few faults, I believe young readers will enjoy this pleasant story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews