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A Swirl of Ocean
A touching, timeless novel--perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Lauren Wolk--about a girl who discovers that the ocean is holding secrets she never could have imagined.
Twelve-year-old Summer loves the ocean. The smell, the immensity, the feeling she gets when she dives beneath the surface. She has lived in Barnes Bluff Bay since she was two years old, when Lindy found her on the beach. It's been the two of them ever since. But now, ten years later, Summer feels uncertainty about her place with Lindy and starts to wonder about where she came from. One night, Summer goes for a swim and gets caught in a riptide, swallowing mouthfuls of seawater. And that night, she dreams of a girl. A girl her age living in the same town, but not in the same time. Summer's not persuaded that this girl is real, but something about her feels familiar.
Summer dreams again and again about this girl, Tink, and becomes convinced that she is connected to her past. As she sees Tink struggle with her sister growing away from her and her friends starting to pair off, Summer must come to terms with her own evolving home life and discover how the bonds that make us family can help heal the wounds of the past.
From Melissa Sarno, the author of Just Under the Clouds, comes a new story of discovery, family, and finding where you belong.
Twelve-year-old Summer loves the ocean. The smell, the immensity, the feeling she gets when she dives beneath the surface. She has lived in Barnes Bluff Bay since she was two years old, when Lindy found her on the beach. It's been the two of them ever since. But now, ten years later, Summer feels uncertainty about her place with Lindy and starts to wonder about where she came from. One night, Summer goes for a swim and gets caught in a riptide, swallowing mouthfuls of seawater. And that night, she dreams of a girl. A girl her age living in the same town, but not in the same time. Summer's not persuaded that this girl is real, but something about her feels familiar.
Summer dreams again and again about this girl, Tink, and becomes convinced that she is connected to her past. As she sees Tink struggle with her sister growing away from her and her friends starting to pair off, Summer must come to terms with her own evolving home life and discover how the bonds that make us family can help heal the wounds of the past.
From Melissa Sarno, the author of Just Under the Clouds, comes a new story of discovery, family, and finding where you belong.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Sarno
3 books67 followersMelissa Sarno is the author of middle grade novels Just Under the Clouds, a Bank Street best book of the year, and A Swirl of Ocean. She is based in the lower Hudson Valley where she lives with her husband and two children.
The only thing she loves more than writing books is reading them. She also loves to hike, run, bake cakes, and take photos.
The only thing she loves more than writing books is reading them. She also loves to hike, run, bake cakes, and take photos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 22, 2020
When I first saw the cover for this middle grade novel, few months ago, I was swept away. I mean, just look at this gorgeousness! Who wouldn’t want to have something so beautiful in his hands?
When it comes to cover design, this book (or should I say author) really hit the jackpot!
The story itself was good, although if I’m being honest, not much happened in it.
I liked the atmosphere and setting the most, and the way the writer put an ocean as part of the story was so brilliantly done, that it felt like the ocean was the character itself.
It does play big part in this sort of coming of age story with magical realism elements.
I loved to read about Summer and Lindy‘s relationship and how their dynamic was shaken after Lindy’s boyfriend came around.
Also, Summer’s friendship with her best friend was so much fun to follow.
The story is written in first person following Summer’s POV, but there are also parts written in third person that talk about Summer’s dreams, featuring a girl named Tink who is somehow connected to Summer.
I have to admit that while I enjoyed following Summer, I simply didn’t care about Tink.
I knew Tink’s story was important but somehow I just couldn’t make myself care enough.
In the end, when it all connected and magical realism played it’s part, I realized that I wasn’t connected to the story enough to be thrilled, which is a shame.
Still, I think many readers will enjoy this book and I feel like it’s a perfect pick for late summer nights.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
When it comes to cover design, this book (or should I say author) really hit the jackpot!
The story itself was good, although if I’m being honest, not much happened in it.
I liked the atmosphere and setting the most, and the way the writer put an ocean as part of the story was so brilliantly done, that it felt like the ocean was the character itself.
It does play big part in this sort of coming of age story with magical realism elements.
I loved to read about Summer and Lindy‘s relationship and how their dynamic was shaken after Lindy’s boyfriend came around.
Also, Summer’s friendship with her best friend was so much fun to follow.
The story is written in first person following Summer’s POV, but there are also parts written in third person that talk about Summer’s dreams, featuring a girl named Tink who is somehow connected to Summer.
I have to admit that while I enjoyed following Summer, I simply didn’t care about Tink.
I knew Tink’s story was important but somehow I just couldn’t make myself care enough.
In the end, when it all connected and magical realism played it’s part, I realized that I wasn’t connected to the story enough to be thrilled, which is a shame.
Still, I think many readers will enjoy this book and I feel like it’s a perfect pick for late summer nights.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
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April 15, 2019I loved this beautifully written, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant middle grade novel by Melissa Sarno. Like Sarno’s lovely debut, JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS, A SWIRL OF OCEAN has an incredibly vivid setting and gorgeous descriptions. The beach town of Barnes Bluff Bay is so well drawn, with charming characters and details that made me feel like I was there with main character Summer and the other locals as the tourists cleared out and the off-season began. And there were so many points when I wanted to pause to appreciate Sarno’s lyrical prose, playful choice of verbs, and just-right figurative language—her writing is never self-conscious or trying too hard; it’s just plain lovely.
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While this book has the clear sense of place and striking language that fans of JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS will recognize, it’s a very different book in many exciting ways, with a touch of magic and a fascinating mystery at its core. This is the story of 12-year-old Summer, who was found washed up on the shore when she was two years old by a woman named Lindy, who is the only family she’s ever known. But now, Lindy wants to change everything by letting her annoying boyfriend move in so it’s no longer just the two of them, and after getting caught in the current and swallowing a lot of ocean water, Summer begins dreaming about a girl named Tink and the summer she spent at Barnes Bluff Bay many years before, when she was the same age Summer is now. Summer becomes convinced that these dreams are connected to her own story and might reveal who she was before she became Lindy’s.
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Dream sections are woven into the main narrative, and they’re so compelling, both because of the mystery of how they’re connected to Summer and because Tink’s experience as a twelve-year-old complements Summer’s so beautifully: both are grappling with different kinds of changes in the people and world around them, and both long to hold onto aspects of their childhood in poignant ways. I love the way the novel ends—everything comes together in a powerful, satisfying way, and the balance of what gets revealed and what stays unknowable felt just right to me.
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This book reads slightly older than Sarno’s debut, and I think it’s a perfect choice for 10-12 year old readers, especially, who will relate to the kinds of change Summer and Tink are faced with. I couldn’t put it down!
.
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While this book has the clear sense of place and striking language that fans of JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS will recognize, it’s a very different book in many exciting ways, with a touch of magic and a fascinating mystery at its core. This is the story of 12-year-old Summer, who was found washed up on the shore when she was two years old by a woman named Lindy, who is the only family she’s ever known. But now, Lindy wants to change everything by letting her annoying boyfriend move in so it’s no longer just the two of them, and after getting caught in the current and swallowing a lot of ocean water, Summer begins dreaming about a girl named Tink and the summer she spent at Barnes Bluff Bay many years before, when she was the same age Summer is now. Summer becomes convinced that these dreams are connected to her own story and might reveal who she was before she became Lindy’s.
.
.
Dream sections are woven into the main narrative, and they’re so compelling, both because of the mystery of how they’re connected to Summer and because Tink’s experience as a twelve-year-old complements Summer’s so beautifully: both are grappling with different kinds of changes in the people and world around them, and both long to hold onto aspects of their childhood in poignant ways. I love the way the novel ends—everything comes together in a powerful, satisfying way, and the balance of what gets revealed and what stays unknowable felt just right to me.
.
.
This book reads slightly older than Sarno’s debut, and I think it’s a perfect choice for 10-12 year old readers, especially, who will relate to the kinds of change Summer and Tink are faced with. I couldn’t put it down!
January 31, 2019
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC. I loved the rich beach setting (with a touch of magic!), and Summer's journey of finding her roots made for powerful themes around self-discovery. Lots of coming-of-age exploration in this book plus interesting, nuanced characters. Melissa Sarno also has a beautiful way with words and language, which made me a fan of her debut novel as well. Just gorgeous.
August 5, 2019
So lucky to get an ARC of this ridiculously beautiful MG novel. My favorite part was the setting — a beach town in the off-season, so perfectly described that I felt like I could feel the salt and sand under my feet. The characters were unforgettable, too — its amazing how much is going on in such a spare, slim book. Every word feels important. AND, last thing, my hat is truly off to Sarno for how much credit she gives kids to be able to handle and understand a story that’s really deep — not sad or depressing by any means, but complicated and important and oooof it’s just so good. Five stars isn’t enough.
September 1, 2021
3.5 Stars
A Swirl of Ocean is a middle-grade novel that takes place in a small beach town, where a young girl named Summer must come to terms with change and what it means to be family. It’s a touching story that focuses on growth and healing, swirled in with some magical realism.
I will openly admit, that magical realism is not my thing. It’s too fluid and flighty for my rigid world-building tastes, I need the hows and the whys. However, A Swirl of Ocean had me captivated regardless of it’s fluidity. The moment Summer sees her first vision of a girl named Tink I knew I had to keep reading to see what it all meant, and I wasn’t disappointed. We are treated to a story about what it means to be family, especially as it’s members grow, change, and bring others in. I think it’s an important subject to breach for readers of all ages, and it was handled quite well here. Summer’s acceptance isn’t something that comes easy or without pain, and through her visions of Tink we see another girl going through something similar despite her obviously being someone from the city’s past.
Sarno’s writing is quite beautiful and because of her ability to paint a picture, the more magical realistic side of the story flowed quite well within the overall narrative. It added a touch of mystery and a focus for Summer as she worked through her own emotions. Most importantly I think she handled the adult voices quite well, they are not perfect beings without mistakes. They sometimes lie or put their foot in their mouth, and while it may not always be okay it shows that it’s okay for kids not to be perfect either.
The only thing I wasn’t totally fond of was the overall ending. It works well for the story itself, but again it’s one of those personal taste issues. I wanted more explanation than I was getting, but I understand
While I didn’t sink into this as much as I wanted to, I did enjoy it quite a bit and I think if you don’t mind the mysticism alongside your coming of age stories then it’s certainly one to try out.
A Swirl of Ocean is a middle-grade novel that takes place in a small beach town, where a young girl named Summer must come to terms with change and what it means to be family. It’s a touching story that focuses on growth and healing, swirled in with some magical realism.
I will openly admit, that magical realism is not my thing. It’s too fluid and flighty for my rigid world-building tastes, I need the hows and the whys. However, A Swirl of Ocean had me captivated regardless of it’s fluidity. The moment Summer sees her first vision of a girl named Tink I knew I had to keep reading to see what it all meant, and I wasn’t disappointed. We are treated to a story about what it means to be family, especially as it’s members grow, change, and bring others in. I think it’s an important subject to breach for readers of all ages, and it was handled quite well here. Summer’s acceptance isn’t something that comes easy or without pain, and through her visions of Tink we see another girl going through something similar despite her obviously being someone from the city’s past.
Sarno’s writing is quite beautiful and because of her ability to paint a picture, the more magical realistic side of the story flowed quite well within the overall narrative. It added a touch of mystery and a focus for Summer as she worked through her own emotions. Most importantly I think she handled the adult voices quite well, they are not perfect beings without mistakes. They sometimes lie or put their foot in their mouth, and while it may not always be okay it shows that it’s okay for kids not to be perfect either.
The only thing I wasn’t totally fond of was the overall ending. It works well for the story itself, but again it’s one of those personal taste issues. I wanted more explanation than I was getting, but I understand
While I didn’t sink into this as much as I wanted to, I did enjoy it quite a bit and I think if you don’t mind the mysticism alongside your coming of age stories then it’s certainly one to try out.
February 7, 2019
Another beautifully written book by Melissa Sarno. I hope she keeps writing. This story has beauty, friendship, and a little bit of a magical mystery. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2020
After a very long period of solely reading books from my normal niche of fiction/fantasy adventure novels, A Swirl of Ocean was refreshingly different. It was a totally random, spur-of-the-moment choice. If someone mentions the title in a couple years, I'll probably recognize it and have a vague idea of it being "not bad."
The first few chapters actually put me off, because the characters seemed immature and rude. However, the more I read, the more I connected with them. While I can't say that they ever stop being immature, they gain a bit a depth as Melissa Sarno really gets down into their feelings, and in the end I found Summer, Tink, and Jeremiah to be relatable protagonists.
However, before I came to this conclusion, it was the plot that kept me listening (I used an audiobook). The magical aspect of the dreams was a bit odd, and the character's decisions were questionable at times, but nevertheless, I didn't lose interest.
The ending, actually, was just a bit of a let-down. I had expected everything to tie together much more closely. Some stuff that I thought would factor in later just... didn't.
Like I said, refreshingly new and different for me. It had its strengths and weaknesses, but as a whole, not bad.
The first few chapters actually put me off, because the characters seemed immature and rude. However, the more I read, the more I connected with them. While I can't say that they ever stop being immature, they gain a bit a depth as Melissa Sarno really gets down into their feelings, and in the end I found Summer, Tink, and Jeremiah to be relatable protagonists.
However, before I came to this conclusion, it was the plot that kept me listening (I used an audiobook). The magical aspect of the dreams was a bit odd, and the character's decisions were questionable at times, but nevertheless, I didn't lose interest.
The ending, actually, was just a bit of a let-down. I had expected everything to tie together much more closely. Some stuff that I thought would factor in later just... didn't.
Like I said, refreshingly new and different for me. It had its strengths and weaknesses, but as a whole, not bad.
July 7, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner: A Swirl of Ocean by @melissasarno and @randomhousekids. Releases August 6th, 2019.
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Though set in the school year, A Swirl of Ocean makes for a perfect late-summer read because of the setting and weather; both will have you wishing to go to the beach (or back to the beach).
In A Swirl of Ocean, an adopted 12-year-old finds herself wrestling with one issue after the other: her mom’s new boyfriend, her best friend’s estranged father returning to town, strange dreams ever since a scary incident in a riptide, and mounting questions of who she really is and where she came from. Summer is a well-built character and I loved how she was in no hurry to grow up, riding bikes and spying on mysterious neighbors instead.
BY FAR the strongest point of this book is its descriptions. Nothing in the book was badly written, but the descriptions were out of this world phenomenal. The imagery makes you feel the gritty sand on the floor, taste the salt, hear the wind, see every detail of Summer’s life and surroundings.
I also adored the setting. The island town with only a few year-round residents, all of them eccentric (and I got a kick out of Gamzy and the Pitch & Putt).
This book is a little hard to categorize. While the main story is solidly middle-grade, the dream sequences are very YA and teenager-y. However, it worked for me. I loved it.
A Swirl of Ocean goes on sale August 6th and you’ll regret it if you don’t check it out! Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy—all opinions are my own.
———————-
Though set in the school year, A Swirl of Ocean makes for a perfect late-summer read because of the setting and weather; both will have you wishing to go to the beach (or back to the beach).
In A Swirl of Ocean, an adopted 12-year-old finds herself wrestling with one issue after the other: her mom’s new boyfriend, her best friend’s estranged father returning to town, strange dreams ever since a scary incident in a riptide, and mounting questions of who she really is and where she came from. Summer is a well-built character and I loved how she was in no hurry to grow up, riding bikes and spying on mysterious neighbors instead.
BY FAR the strongest point of this book is its descriptions. Nothing in the book was badly written, but the descriptions were out of this world phenomenal. The imagery makes you feel the gritty sand on the floor, taste the salt, hear the wind, see every detail of Summer’s life and surroundings.
I also adored the setting. The island town with only a few year-round residents, all of them eccentric (and I got a kick out of Gamzy and the Pitch & Putt).
This book is a little hard to categorize. While the main story is solidly middle-grade, the dream sequences are very YA and teenager-y. However, it worked for me. I loved it.
A Swirl of Ocean goes on sale August 6th and you’ll regret it if you don’t check it out! Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy—all opinions are my own.
September 23, 2019
What a lovely cover! <3 What I didn't know about this story before I began reading is that it includes a good deal of magical realism. 12-year-old Summer was found on the beach when she was only two years old. An intense investigation turned up no information, so Lindy took custody of Summer and raised her as her own. Ten years later, Summer is feeling all sorts of questions about her past -- who is she really? Where did certain traits come from? Did no one miss her? One night Summer gets pulled into the ocean while swimming and ends up swallowing a lot of water. And after that experience, she begins having vivid dreams of a girl named Tink. It all feels so real to her and even coincides with events she discovers to have actually happened. So did she already know about these things or is she making it all up? It's a charming and touching story of self-discovery and one of healing wounds from the past.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
February 18, 2020
Finally! I finally got my hands on this book. I've been intrigued with this story ever since I learned about our young protagonist, Summer, drinking the ocean to discover the secrets of where she came from (Summer was found at age 2 sitting by the water's edge). It did not disappoint! Melissa Sarno is a terrific story teller. The writing was lean but impactful, and brought in all of the senses; I was at the ocean breathing in the salty air, hearing the gulls, and swimming in rip tides. And the ocean drinking...oh, I adored the premise immensely and read it in almost one sitting. Another gem from Sarno - well done!
April 22, 2019
This book has a beautifully mysterious cover and a mystery tale to go with it. Summer washed up ashore when she was two, and Lindy adopted her. But Summer starts to wonder where she came from. She’s able to catch a glimpse of the past through the ocean.
It is a quieter story, not a fast-paced one. It took me a little bit of time to figure out the characters, but maybe that was done purposely to add to the mystery.
It is a quieter story, not a fast-paced one. It took me a little bit of time to figure out the characters, but maybe that was done purposely to add to the mystery.
April 28, 2019
A Swirl of Ocean by Melissa Sarno is a heartfelt, fantastic middle grade book! Thanks to the author and publisher for sending an advanced copy - this is my honest review.
Summer lives in a small community by the ocean. She was washed ashore at two years old and found, then adopted, by Lindy. For ten years, life has been happy and comfortable, but now things are changing. As Summer resists these changes, she begins to have dreams that feel more like someone’s memories- but whose? Summer and her friend Jeremiah try to unravel the mystery of her dreams - how they connect to their community’s past and Summer herself.
I love the dual storytelling by way of the dreams. Summer’s story is told from her own perspective, but her dreams are in third person, from TInk’s POV. I loved seeing the growing connections between the two stories (and the gray pages helped to make each part distinct).
Important themes are woven naturally through the story: the changing nature of friendships as we grow up, the many definitions of family, making room for new people in our lives, and finding the ways we connect with those that we love.
March 16, 2021
Honestly it was pretty confusing but like I really enjoyed it for some odd reason. It’s like mystical and mysterious and just yuhsss
September 18, 2019
This was a wave of nostalgia for me, it reminded me of when I was twelve and read 'Walk Two Moons' the same sort of mysticism and depth to it was in 'A Swirl of Ocean' as well. Summer has always wanted to know what makes her belong to Lindy and who did she belong to before. After getting caught in a riptide and swallowing mouthfuls of seawater, something extraordinary happens and Summer begins to dream about a girl her age in the same town but not the same time.
Things are changing for Summer and these dreams could either be an escape or hold some answers, so which is it?
I thought it was a great middle-grade book and something I would recommend my daughter to read once she hits the age of about 10. Sarno writes in a great whimsical way and she does it at a level that children and adults can appreciate in both style and content.
**I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion…so…Thanks for the free book, @PRHGlobal **
Things are changing for Summer and these dreams could either be an escape or hold some answers, so which is it?
I thought it was a great middle-grade book and something I would recommend my daughter to read once she hits the age of about 10. Sarno writes in a great whimsical way and she does it at a level that children and adults can appreciate in both style and content.
**I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion…so…Thanks for the free book, @PRHGlobal **
July 3, 2019
I received an arc of this book from netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Okay. This one was interesting, I liked how there was mysterious ''dreams'' I thought that added something useful to the main story. On the other hand, though, they just found her and nobody ever claimed her? interesting. Also the ending seemed to be rather abrupt.
Okay. This one was interesting, I liked how there was mysterious ''dreams'' I thought that added something useful to the main story. On the other hand, though, they just found her and nobody ever claimed her? interesting. Also the ending seemed to be rather abrupt.
August 29, 2019
Too many characters in the back story and an unsatisfactory ending. Meh.
March 16, 2022
It’s a fascinating book, a little predictable but that’s okay. I thought it was very unique, which made it more enjoyable.
August 11, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to the publisher @randomhousekids and the author @melissasarno for sharing an advance copy of A Swirl of Ocean with the #kidlitexchange network. All opinions are my own.
Summer was discovered on the beach wrapped in seaweed by twenty-year-old Lindy ten years ago at the age of two. An investigation was launched, but her parents were never found and Lindy adopted her. Since then, it's been just the two of them living in their cozy little home filled with seashells in Barnes Bluff, a summer tourist hot spot. Now, things are changing. Lindy's boyfriend is moving in and Summer is thrown off balance. As she feels she is being pushed out, she starts to wonder where she came from and if she really belongs with Lindy at all. After a late night swim in the ocean, where she got caught in a rip current, Summer begins dreaming about a girl named Tink and her friends. She knows that Tink is somehow connected to her and she's determined to figure out how.
This is a beautifully written middle grades novel full of suspense, mystery, and emotion. The characters of Barnes Bluff are vibrant and likable. I think many readers can relate to the feeling of being a third wheel like Summer and Tink as well as the feeling of not belonging. I really loved how dream sequences were incorporated into throughout the novel to bring in Tink's story. Sarno masterfully dropped hints and tied everything together in the end. I found A Swirl of Ocean very engaging making it a quick read (I finished it in a day). The book deals with themes of belonging which is perfect for middle grades. There is under age smoking in the book, but no profanity or other illicit content making it, in my opinion, appropriate for grades 5 and up.
Thank you to the publisher @randomhousekids and the author @melissasarno for sharing an advance copy of A Swirl of Ocean with the #kidlitexchange network. All opinions are my own.
Summer was discovered on the beach wrapped in seaweed by twenty-year-old Lindy ten years ago at the age of two. An investigation was launched, but her parents were never found and Lindy adopted her. Since then, it's been just the two of them living in their cozy little home filled with seashells in Barnes Bluff, a summer tourist hot spot. Now, things are changing. Lindy's boyfriend is moving in and Summer is thrown off balance. As she feels she is being pushed out, she starts to wonder where she came from and if she really belongs with Lindy at all. After a late night swim in the ocean, where she got caught in a rip current, Summer begins dreaming about a girl named Tink and her friends. She knows that Tink is somehow connected to her and she's determined to figure out how.
This is a beautifully written middle grades novel full of suspense, mystery, and emotion. The characters of Barnes Bluff are vibrant and likable. I think many readers can relate to the feeling of being a third wheel like Summer and Tink as well as the feeling of not belonging. I really loved how dream sequences were incorporated into throughout the novel to bring in Tink's story. Sarno masterfully dropped hints and tied everything together in the end. I found A Swirl of Ocean very engaging making it a quick read (I finished it in a day). The book deals with themes of belonging which is perfect for middle grades. There is under age smoking in the book, but no profanity or other illicit content making it, in my opinion, appropriate for grades 5 and up.
February 14, 2019
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC with Collabookation.
Lindy found Summer, a two-year-old washed up by the ocean waves onto Barnes Bluff, and proceeded to adopt her. For her entire recollected life, it's been Summer and Lindy against the world, and they are doing just fine...until Lindy falls in love and, pending Summer's approval, moves her boyfriend into their home by the ocean.
Turns out, even though she approved the change in their lives, it's becoming more symbolic to Summer. After all, if Lindy can add to the family, wouldn't it stand to reason that she could subtract as well? What is really connecting Summer to Lindy? How strong are the family ties that we create ourselves?
In an intriguing twist, Summer begins to have dreams that seem compelling at first, but soon move Summer into an almost-obsessive state. In her dreams she's witness to three friends spending their summer on Barnes Bluff. Summer is convinced that these dreams will bring her closer to figuring out the mystery of the first two years of her life.
I loved the scenery, the small town feel of Barnes Bluff, and the friendships developed throughout the book. The dreams were intriguing, and I was not expecting them to take me where they did. I felt deeply for Summer, whose beginning was a mystery, and who felt the shifting of her family unit more acutely than many adolescents would. This book is a beautiful reminder that we may not always find what we are looking for, but what we need will present itself to us in good time.
Recommended for grades 6 and up.
Lindy found Summer, a two-year-old washed up by the ocean waves onto Barnes Bluff, and proceeded to adopt her. For her entire recollected life, it's been Summer and Lindy against the world, and they are doing just fine...until Lindy falls in love and, pending Summer's approval, moves her boyfriend into their home by the ocean.
Turns out, even though she approved the change in their lives, it's becoming more symbolic to Summer. After all, if Lindy can add to the family, wouldn't it stand to reason that she could subtract as well? What is really connecting Summer to Lindy? How strong are the family ties that we create ourselves?
In an intriguing twist, Summer begins to have dreams that seem compelling at first, but soon move Summer into an almost-obsessive state. In her dreams she's witness to three friends spending their summer on Barnes Bluff. Summer is convinced that these dreams will bring her closer to figuring out the mystery of the first two years of her life.
I loved the scenery, the small town feel of Barnes Bluff, and the friendships developed throughout the book. The dreams were intriguing, and I was not expecting them to take me where they did. I felt deeply for Summer, whose beginning was a mystery, and who felt the shifting of her family unit more acutely than many adolescents would. This book is a beautiful reminder that we may not always find what we are looking for, but what we need will present itself to us in good time.
Recommended for grades 6 and up.
February 14, 2019
The traditional family—“the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children” (Merriam-Webster) —in the majority of cases, no longer exists. But families do exist and, reading A Swirl in the Ocean, the reader realizes the true meaning of family.
Two-year-old Summer was adopted by Lindy when the tide washed her onto the beach at Barnes Bluff. Summer has been Lindy’s entire family for ten years in a community where everyone knows each other’s business until the summer Lindy’s boyfriend moves in and Summer starts to question her origins.
When she is caught in a riptide and swallows quite a bit of ocean water, Summer dreams of another family, an adolescent named Tink and her friends who lived on this same bluff 17 years before. She continues to drink ocean water to return to the dream because, as Summer explains to her best friends Jeremiah and the romance-reading Tanvi, she wonders if there is a connection to her life. “Maybe they’ve got to do with me. With where I came from. I mean they’re inside me for a reason, right? …All I’ve got in my life is an ‘after.’ I’ve never known the ‘before’.” (91)
As Summer tries to find the missing pieces of the puzzle of her life, she realizes that, even without them, she has been looking at the whole picture,—and possibly Elder is enhancing it; she and Lindy have a gift from the ocean that is theirs alone.
A bit of magical realism, Melissa Sarno’s novel is filled with well-developed characters and wonderful, lyrical language. Note to ELA teachers: Use this book as a mentor text for unusual, active verbs: “as we dizzy around;” Jeremiah scurries his paddle;” Her legs are pretzeled together.” (56) And science teachers can also employ this book in a study of oceans, ocean life, and tides.
Two-year-old Summer was adopted by Lindy when the tide washed her onto the beach at Barnes Bluff. Summer has been Lindy’s entire family for ten years in a community where everyone knows each other’s business until the summer Lindy’s boyfriend moves in and Summer starts to question her origins.
When she is caught in a riptide and swallows quite a bit of ocean water, Summer dreams of another family, an adolescent named Tink and her friends who lived on this same bluff 17 years before. She continues to drink ocean water to return to the dream because, as Summer explains to her best friends Jeremiah and the romance-reading Tanvi, she wonders if there is a connection to her life. “Maybe they’ve got to do with me. With where I came from. I mean they’re inside me for a reason, right? …All I’ve got in my life is an ‘after.’ I’ve never known the ‘before’.” (91)
As Summer tries to find the missing pieces of the puzzle of her life, she realizes that, even without them, she has been looking at the whole picture,—and possibly Elder is enhancing it; she and Lindy have a gift from the ocean that is theirs alone.
A bit of magical realism, Melissa Sarno’s novel is filled with well-developed characters and wonderful, lyrical language. Note to ELA teachers: Use this book as a mentor text for unusual, active verbs: “as we dizzy around;” Jeremiah scurries his paddle;” Her legs are pretzeled together.” (56) And science teachers can also employ this book in a study of oceans, ocean life, and tides.
June 12, 2019
Thank you to the publisher and @kidlitexchange for sharing a copy for review. All opinions are my own.
This mysterious, intriguing, magical MG story will grab you from the first page, and won’t let you go. I had a hard time pausing to get on with life! As I baked all afternoon to prepare for company, I heard Summer’s voice. I found myself wishing I could quickly find an audio copy, so I could continue her hearing her story about living with Lindy and being an island “year rounder” in Barnes Bluff Bay.
It all began ten years ago when twenty year old Lindy found two year old Summer as she mysteriously washed up on shore. Lindy revived her and then, after an extensive police investigation, adopted Summer. They have a simple, happy, sandy life in their little house by the sea, until Summer insists upon taking a late night swim. After she is caught in a riptide, she narrowly escapes drowning, but in the process swallows a huge amount of ocean water. That is when her dreams begin; the VERY real dreams about people vacationing in her town years before.
As I read, I couldn’t really imagine how the story would end, but I was compelled to find out. As it turns out, the magical conclusion was truly discovered in a Swirl of Ocean.
This book, which will be released on August 6, will be a popular one with grades 3-7. It’s one libraries will want to buy.
This mysterious, intriguing, magical MG story will grab you from the first page, and won’t let you go. I had a hard time pausing to get on with life! As I baked all afternoon to prepare for company, I heard Summer’s voice. I found myself wishing I could quickly find an audio copy, so I could continue her hearing her story about living with Lindy and being an island “year rounder” in Barnes Bluff Bay.
It all began ten years ago when twenty year old Lindy found two year old Summer as she mysteriously washed up on shore. Lindy revived her and then, after an extensive police investigation, adopted Summer. They have a simple, happy, sandy life in their little house by the sea, until Summer insists upon taking a late night swim. After she is caught in a riptide, she narrowly escapes drowning, but in the process swallows a huge amount of ocean water. That is when her dreams begin; the VERY real dreams about people vacationing in her town years before.
As I read, I couldn’t really imagine how the story would end, but I was compelled to find out. As it turns out, the magical conclusion was truly discovered in a Swirl of Ocean.
This book, which will be released on August 6, will be a popular one with grades 3-7. It’s one libraries will want to buy.
October 22, 2019
Summer lives year round in a beach community with her adoptive guardian Lindy who found her on the beach when Summer was 2 and Lindy was 20. The summer is full of change, however. Lindy’s boyfriend Elder is moving in and Summer’s not ready to share Lindy with anyone else. When Summer accidentally swallows a bit of ocean water, she dreams about a girl named Tink and her friends. Tink is having a similarly confusing summer; her friends are beginning to date each other and she feels adrift. When Summer discovers that swallowing ocean water will make the dreams come, she does so on purpose to try and solve the mystery of Tink and her friends. Readers will begin to suspect that Summer and Tink’s worlds are connected as time goes on and will be excited to read the conclusion of this dreamy middle grade book.
The mystery unfolds slowly in this book, which gives the reader more time to enjoy the gorgeous language. The cover is sure to attract readers alone; definitely face this book out whenever possible.
Students who like introspective reads and slow burn mysteries.
As beautiful as the writing is in the sections about Summer and Lindy, the dream sequences fell flat for me. I also think that the dream sequences will likely confuse some readers.
The mystery unfolds slowly in this book, which gives the reader more time to enjoy the gorgeous language. The cover is sure to attract readers alone; definitely face this book out whenever possible.
Students who like introspective reads and slow burn mysteries.
As beautiful as the writing is in the sections about Summer and Lindy, the dream sequences fell flat for me. I also think that the dream sequences will likely confuse some readers.
November 21, 2019
Twelve-year-old Summer has always known she belonged with Lindy, who found her along the beach when she was only two. Since then, they've been a family, but now that unity is threatened with the arrival of Elder, Lindy's boyfriend, who moves in with them. Summer is confused by the budding romance and this new relationship and worried about Elder supplanting her in Lindy's affections. During this confusing time, she spends a lot of time in the ocean, even getting caught up in a riptide and swallowing quite a bit of briny water. Along with the water, somehow, she swallows the memories of a girl named Tink, and she wonders whether she once was this girl. As the story unfolds readers will realize that almost everyone has secrets, and that Summer's memories connect to someone close to her new friend, Jeremy. While I found parts of the story highly improbable, I was impressed with the delicate way the story was told and how the characters were developed by the author. Several of the chapters are entitled with various High Tide and Low Tide times, which helps readers sort out some of the shifts in time, if not place, as two different girls wrestle with changes that seem beyond their control.
May 31, 2019
*I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley*
As other reviewers have said, this is a slower paced, gentle mystery. Summer is 12 years old, and she has lived most of her life in the same small beach town. Her best friend is a fairly easy-going boy named Jeremiah, and she is generally happy living with her guardian Lindy. Things begin to change when Lindy wants to let her boyfriend move in with them, and then after a near-drowning, Summer begins having very realistic dreams about a young girl who spent the summer in the same town years before. As Summer continues having the dreams, she learns more about herself, her friends, and her relationships with all those she loves. Definitely not an edge-of-your-seat read, but I was very engaged and read it very quickly. If you are looking for a friendship story with a bit of magical realism, this might be a good choice for you.
I'd say probably good for 4th or 5th grade and up. Younger kids will probably not be interested in all the relationship-y stuff. There are some references to drinking and some characters smoke, but I think most young readers can handle that.
As other reviewers have said, this is a slower paced, gentle mystery. Summer is 12 years old, and she has lived most of her life in the same small beach town. Her best friend is a fairly easy-going boy named Jeremiah, and she is generally happy living with her guardian Lindy. Things begin to change when Lindy wants to let her boyfriend move in with them, and then after a near-drowning, Summer begins having very realistic dreams about a young girl who spent the summer in the same town years before. As Summer continues having the dreams, she learns more about herself, her friends, and her relationships with all those she loves. Definitely not an edge-of-your-seat read, but I was very engaged and read it very quickly. If you are looking for a friendship story with a bit of magical realism, this might be a good choice for you.
I'd say probably good for 4th or 5th grade and up. Younger kids will probably not be interested in all the relationship-y stuff. There are some references to drinking and some characters smoke, but I think most young readers can handle that.
December 2, 2019
Written from a 12 year old's perspective, this book obviously aims for middle grade or young teenagers. Though the POV's thoughts might sound exactly like a teen's voice, it also carried a very melancholy mood. Maybe because the protagonist has lost both her parents, hence that incident made the whole mood of the story became somewhat heavier.
For me, this book hardly moving. The plot was not developing and I also had a hard time getting into the magical part of this book. Summer, the protagonist, has a very close connection with the ocean, since she was found by the ocean at age 2 passing out because she was drowning. She also had weird dreams about a bunch of kids that turned out to be those adults from the present. That's a plot twist that I appreciate, because it contains the element of mystery.
Basically, the book goes back and forth from the past and the present. I wasn't particularly enjoying myself reading this book, though I loved the message of appreciating the people around us and to accept changes in life that are bound to happen either way.
Thank you Netgalley for providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
For me, this book hardly moving. The plot was not developing and I also had a hard time getting into the magical part of this book. Summer, the protagonist, has a very close connection with the ocean, since she was found by the ocean at age 2 passing out because she was drowning. She also had weird dreams about a bunch of kids that turned out to be those adults from the present. That's a plot twist that I appreciate, because it contains the element of mystery.
Basically, the book goes back and forth from the past and the present. I wasn't particularly enjoying myself reading this book, though I loved the message of appreciating the people around us and to accept changes in life that are bound to happen either way.
Thank you Netgalley for providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 4, 2019
This is a delightful story of Summer who lives in Barnes Bluff. A beach town that is mostly visited during the summer months. Summer lives with Lindy, who found Summer on the beach when she was just two years old. Summer doesn't not remember a time before Lindy. It's the summer of her 12 year and since they live in Barnes Bluff all year long their beaches are empty and it's just the "year-rounders". Lindy's boyfriend moves into their home which makes Summer feel left out. She goes swimming one night and almost drowns in a rip tide. Having swallowed quite a bit of Ocean she finds that she begins to dream about a girl named Tink and her summer, many years ago at Barnes Bluff. She dreams and finds many of the things that Tink mentions in the dreams around the town. Summer comes to learn more about herself and more about Tink and what she learns is even more amazing that she thought.
I think Middle Grade readers as well as adults will enjoy reading about Summer in this book.
I think Middle Grade readers as well as adults will enjoy reading about Summer in this book.
June 4, 2020
I had the opportunity to read a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a review. I was a bit late in getting to this middle grade novel, but it's definitely a good summertime read. Summer's life has always been mysterious. She was found on the beach as a two year old, and was adopted by a young woman, Lindy. Lindy, while young and just starting her adult life, adopted Summer and the two have been very close ever since. But now that Summer is growing up, she's starting to wonder about her identity and her past. She longs to feel a connection to the people around her, but she can't let go of the feeling that there's more to her situation than meets the eye. She starts having strange dreams that show her past events in her neighborhood, but she feels like she's an important character in these dreams. Readers will have a good mystery playing out in the pages as Summer tries to spend more and more time in her dreams to figure it all out. She also starts asking questions of the people who have lived in the community long enough to help her piece together the past.
February 12, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Random House Children's - Knopf Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I have never read a book with such a connection as I read A Swirl of Ocean. I love it when I have a deep connection with a book as it takes an unexpected turn with a completely different concept and theme. All of us some way, some how have secrets of our past and we never know where they come from because they are far deep in our memory. For Summer, it takes a rip tide in the ocean for her to have these dreams of this little girl Tink and how she is connected with Summer's childhood and all Summer wanted to know is where she came from. This book is filled with such a strong message that everyone some way, some how will relate to and have a connection with.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I have never read a book with such a connection as I read A Swirl of Ocean. I love it when I have a deep connection with a book as it takes an unexpected turn with a completely different concept and theme. All of us some way, some how have secrets of our past and we never know where they come from because they are far deep in our memory. For Summer, it takes a rip tide in the ocean for her to have these dreams of this little girl Tink and how she is connected with Summer's childhood and all Summer wanted to know is where she came from. This book is filled with such a strong message that everyone some way, some how will relate to and have a connection with.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
May 6, 2019
I received this novel as an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Swirl of Ocean is a middle grade novel by Melissa Sarno. The story takes place in a beach town, Barnes Bluff Bay, and follows the life and dreams of Summer, a twelve-year-old girl who loves the ocean and wants to learn more about herself and where she came from.
Sarno’s writing is vivid and descriptive with a touch of magical realism. The characters are relatable and lovable. However, I was left yearning to know more about the Turtle Lady. She was fascinating!
I also think some of the content was too mature for specific ages within the middle grade cohort (8-12 years in age). For example, making out for 26-minutes, drowning secondary to drinking, and cigarette smoking maybe too much for 8-11-year-old child. Therefore, my recommendation for this novel is 12 and older.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alfred A. Knopf Books for an e-copy of this book.
A Swirl of Ocean is a middle grade novel by Melissa Sarno. The story takes place in a beach town, Barnes Bluff Bay, and follows the life and dreams of Summer, a twelve-year-old girl who loves the ocean and wants to learn more about herself and where she came from.
Sarno’s writing is vivid and descriptive with a touch of magical realism. The characters are relatable and lovable. However, I was left yearning to know more about the Turtle Lady. She was fascinating!
I also think some of the content was too mature for specific ages within the middle grade cohort (8-12 years in age). For example, making out for 26-minutes, drowning secondary to drinking, and cigarette smoking maybe too much for 8-11-year-old child. Therefore, my recommendation for this novel is 12 and older.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alfred A. Knopf Books for an e-copy of this book.
June 21, 2020
I started reading this to discuss with my daughter, who will be 11 next month. I was only going to read the first half, but ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting.
Sarno has some really beautiful language throughout. Her imagery helped me picture a sleepy beach town on the East Coast. It made me wish I’d had summers like that. The closest I could come is Cape May, which is close enough, especially for a girl from Texas who wouldn’t have known a boardwalk from a sand dune when I was the narrator’s age.
The story itself is also compelling. There is mystery from the outset, and I thought I knew where it was going, but Sarno manages to surprise. I also really enjoyed the structure of the book. Not all chapters have a heading, but those that do are labeled with the tides and times. It helps keep a rhythm and a momentum going that leads up to the climax, which I found extraordinary.
I think this book is wonderful, and I can’t wait to talk about it with my daughter.
Sarno has some really beautiful language throughout. Her imagery helped me picture a sleepy beach town on the East Coast. It made me wish I’d had summers like that. The closest I could come is Cape May, which is close enough, especially for a girl from Texas who wouldn’t have known a boardwalk from a sand dune when I was the narrator’s age.
The story itself is also compelling. There is mystery from the outset, and I thought I knew where it was going, but Sarno manages to surprise. I also really enjoyed the structure of the book. Not all chapters have a heading, but those that do are labeled with the tides and times. It helps keep a rhythm and a momentum going that leads up to the climax, which I found extraordinary.
I think this book is wonderful, and I can’t wait to talk about it with my daughter.
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