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Turtles of the Midnight Moon
TURTLES OF THE MIDNIGHT MOON, by Honduran American debut author Maria Jose Fitzgerald, is a middle-grade eco-mystery with magical elements set in Honduras. The story follows Barana and Abby, who reluctantly come together to solve a sea turtle egg poaching mystery plaguing Barana's coastal village, and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage, and community along the way. Publication is set for the Spring of 2023 by Knopf Books for Young Readers.
When poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles—and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.
Twelve-year-old Barana lives in a coastal village in Honduras, where she spends every spare minute visiting the sea turtles that nest on the beach.
Abby is feeling adrift in sixth grade, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs after her best friend moved away from New Jersey.
When Abby’s papi plans a work trip to Honduras, she is finally given the opportunity to see his homeland—with Barana as her tour guide. But Barana has other plans: someone has been poaching turtle eggs, and she’s determined to catch them! Before long, Abby and Barana are both consumed by the mystery, chasing down suspects, gathering clues, and staking out the beach in the dead of night. . . . Will they find a way to stop the poachers before it’s too late?
A heart-pounding mystery with a hint of magic, María José Fitzgerald’s debut novel explores the power of friendship, community, and compassion to unite all living creatures.
When poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles—and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.
Twelve-year-old Barana lives in a coastal village in Honduras, where she spends every spare minute visiting the sea turtles that nest on the beach.
Abby is feeling adrift in sixth grade, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs after her best friend moved away from New Jersey.
When Abby’s papi plans a work trip to Honduras, she is finally given the opportunity to see his homeland—with Barana as her tour guide. But Barana has other plans: someone has been poaching turtle eggs, and she’s determined to catch them! Before long, Abby and Barana are both consumed by the mystery, chasing down suspects, gathering clues, and staking out the beach in the dead of night. . . . Will they find a way to stop the poachers before it’s too late?
A heart-pounding mystery with a hint of magic, María José Fitzgerald’s debut novel explores the power of friendship, community, and compassion to unite all living creatures.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2023
21 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
July 4, 2023
Heartwarming story about two young girls from different backgrounds, that become friends and collaborate to save the leather-back turtles in Honduras from poachers.
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.295)-“When you hold in a secret, it’s like the people you love don’t really see you, because they don’t see the real you.”
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.295)-“When you hold in a secret, it’s like the people you love don’t really see you, because they don’t see the real you.”
March 19, 2023
I absolutely loved this middle school story about two girls, each with passions that their family members don't necessarily understand. Told from a dual point of view, I found both sides unique and equally absorbing. This is a wonderful debut novel that was emotionally compelling, educational, and entertaining.
After 12 years, Abby finally has the chance to visit her father's home country Honduras. She is a budding photographer, but she has felt unmoored ever since her best friend moved away from her Jersey town. Barana has a special connection with a leatherback turtle named Luna, and she has a passion for keeping leatherback turtles (and other animals) safe on their island. Together, they get drawn into the mystery of who is poaching the turtle eggs before they have a chance to hatch. While there was a touch of danger and suspense, I think this story is still appropriate for middle school and I would recommend this to my students.
I read most of this in one sitting because I wanted to know what would happen. Both girls were amazing in their own unique ways, and I loved the friendship that developed between them. I loved the touch of magic the author included with the totems and Barana's scar, and I loved how the people in the community pulled together to support each other. This book made me want to visit this island and visit the people. I would love it if the author ever decides to write a sequel. This was an amazing debut and I can't wait to read what she writes next!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After 12 years, Abby finally has the chance to visit her father's home country Honduras. She is a budding photographer, but she has felt unmoored ever since her best friend moved away from her Jersey town. Barana has a special connection with a leatherback turtle named Luna, and she has a passion for keeping leatherback turtles (and other animals) safe on their island. Together, they get drawn into the mystery of who is poaching the turtle eggs before they have a chance to hatch. While there was a touch of danger and suspense, I think this story is still appropriate for middle school and I would recommend this to my students.
I read most of this in one sitting because I wanted to know what would happen. Both girls were amazing in their own unique ways, and I loved the friendship that developed between them. I loved the touch of magic the author included with the totems and Barana's scar, and I loved how the people in the community pulled together to support each other. This book made me want to visit this island and visit the people. I would love it if the author ever decides to write a sequel. This was an amazing debut and I can't wait to read what she writes next!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 21, 2023
This book was soooo awesome! I loved the characters and the plot was amazing! Definitely recommend! <3
October 26, 2022
This book was magical! Adult me loved it and I know younger me would have loved it even more. The story follows two girls, Barana, who lives in Honduras and Abby who visits with her father from the states.
Barana cares deeply for the sea turtles and tries to protect their nests when they come ashore to lay eggs. When poachers threaten the community, her conservation efforts are put at risk.
Thankfully Abby is there on a trip with her father, who shows the locals how to dive for lobsters safely so they don’t get the bends from coming up to the surface too quickly. Abby and Barana team up to save the sea turtles, relying on a little bit of magic to help them along the way.
The cover art for this book is STUNNING. I would grab this off a shelf immediately. I love the magical realism elements as well as the themes of family, conservation, friendship, navigating loss of friendship, and finding one’s identity. It’s a beautiful story of coming into your own and caring about the world around you.
Great job to the author, I would have loved reading this as a Latina girl and felt so “seen”.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Barana cares deeply for the sea turtles and tries to protect their nests when they come ashore to lay eggs. When poachers threaten the community, her conservation efforts are put at risk.
Thankfully Abby is there on a trip with her father, who shows the locals how to dive for lobsters safely so they don’t get the bends from coming up to the surface too quickly. Abby and Barana team up to save the sea turtles, relying on a little bit of magic to help them along the way.
The cover art for this book is STUNNING. I would grab this off a shelf immediately. I love the magical realism elements as well as the themes of family, conservation, friendship, navigating loss of friendship, and finding one’s identity. It’s a beautiful story of coming into your own and caring about the world around you.
Great job to the author, I would have loved reading this as a Latina girl and felt so “seen”.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2022
OH MY GOD
i read an arc of this and i haven't read any middle grade books in a while because big mean classics girlie persona took over
But this was such a good read
I mean it had TURTLES, FRIENDSHIP AND MAGIC of sorts.
it just felt so wholesome through out, abby and barana are absolute babies who deserve the entire world and more, they're so cool and brave i could only hope to be like them, old hag that i am :(.
I recommend this for anyone who can read really, it's so friendly and feels like a hug<3
i read an arc of this and i haven't read any middle grade books in a while because big mean classics girlie persona took over
But this was such a good read
I mean it had TURTLES, FRIENDSHIP AND MAGIC of sorts.
it just felt so wholesome through out, abby and barana are absolute babies who deserve the entire world and more, they're so cool and brave i could only hope to be like them, old hag that i am :(.
I recommend this for anyone who can read really, it's so friendly and feels like a hug<3
June 11, 2023
This was a very well-written book. I loved the alternating perspectives and the slow friendship that develops. The mystery was done perfectly, and I only guessed one of the culprits correctly! The descriptions of Honduras and its animals were beautiful!
April 15, 2023
I happen to LOVE sea turtles, especially Leatherbacks, so this book was an especially enjoyable novel for me.
I know this author did thorough research because I already knew all about these sea turtle facts such as their size, nesting habit, and the temperature of the sand determining whether the hatchlings will develop into males or females! It is so fascinating!
I also knew that Leatherbacks are critically endangered, and so few get to grow to adulthood because so few get to hatch and survive long enough to make it to the ocean!
Poachers are sea turtles' worst enemies. They kill turtles for their meat and eggs. They sell the meat and eggs and trade them illegally. Hard-shelled sea turtles are killed for their beautiful shells. All of it is abominable, and it is killing off some of the most harmless and gorgeous species on our planet.
This is such an important novel to share with kids and help educate them about these beautiful sea creatures! I highly recommend it!
I know this author did thorough research because I already knew all about these sea turtle facts such as their size, nesting habit, and the temperature of the sand determining whether the hatchlings will develop into males or females! It is so fascinating!
I also knew that Leatherbacks are critically endangered, and so few get to grow to adulthood because so few get to hatch and survive long enough to make it to the ocean!
Poachers are sea turtles' worst enemies. They kill turtles for their meat and eggs. They sell the meat and eggs and trade them illegally. Hard-shelled sea turtles are killed for their beautiful shells. All of it is abominable, and it is killing off some of the most harmless and gorgeous species on our planet.
This is such an important novel to share with kids and help educate them about these beautiful sea creatures! I highly recommend it!
May 25, 2023
This book is everything I love in a middle grade novel: strong female characters, cultural diversity, wildlife conservation, and a bit of magic. The ending made me cry (in a good way). Highly recommended!
unreleased
February 8, 2022A BOOK BY A HALF HONDURAN AUTHOR SET IN HONDURAS!! OMG I CAN'T WAIT!! It will be good to see something positive about my country for once and not only the negative things that international media portrays.
April 14, 2023
This book was really, really good! I liked how there were many Spanish sentences in it and I understand Spanish a lot more after reading it. It was fun to read the final version after I had read the original draft.
May 13, 2024
This middle grade eco-mystery was my Earth Day read this year and I found it to be absolutely magical. From the crescent moon-shaped scars that Luna the leatherback sea turtle and Barana share and communicate to each other with, to boat-rides to school and all the gorgeous and heartfelt descriptions of a small island of Honduras, this story wrapped me up like lapping waves on warm sand.
The ecology aspect was so well-written and perfectly balanced the adventure and mystery. I highly recommend it to inspire all young naturalists & conservationists.
The ecology aspect was so well-written and perfectly balanced the adventure and mystery. I highly recommend it to inspire all young naturalists & conservationists.
July 27, 2023
Turtles of the Midnight Moon seamlessly incorporates mystery, conservation efforts and friendship. Barana's connection to a sea turtle named Luna adds a hint of magic to an already engaging story. The message about caring for our wildlife is interwoven throughout providing a overarching message of hope and possibility.
October 6, 2023
Such a good book that can also raise awareness to not poaching Turtle eggs!! It was a really fun plot and it was a mystery so you got to try and figure out who was the poacher. I also really liked learning about what lifestyle might look like in a small Honduras village!!
February 7, 2024
4.5/5 stars per my oldest. “It was really cool.”
April 10, 2023
This is the type of youth fiction I wish I'd had access to as a tween. As a member of the "save the turtles" generation (yes, I always make sure every plastic ring is cut and r-e-c-y-c-l-e recycle!) I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the fresh voice (and characters who sounded like people I would have wanted to be friends with).
June 19, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Abby, a sixth grader, takes a trip to her family's homeland of Honduras. Excited to see where her Papi is from, she is upset when she is handed off to Barana, a neighbor girl of the same age. But then the adventure begins. Barana is involved in a group trying to protect the sea turtle. It's a race between our friends and poachers to try to protect the turtle eggs and see them through to hatching.
A new location, a new adventure! And so much great information! There is a lot to be learned in this novel and one does it quite easily as they travel the coastal areas with Abby and Barana.
Abby, a sixth grader, takes a trip to her family's homeland of Honduras. Excited to see where her Papi is from, she is upset when she is handed off to Barana, a neighbor girl of the same age. But then the adventure begins. Barana is involved in a group trying to protect the sea turtle. It's a race between our friends and poachers to try to protect the turtle eggs and see them through to hatching.
A new location, a new adventure! And so much great information! There is a lot to be learned in this novel and one does it quite easily as they travel the coastal areas with Abby and Barana.
December 16, 2025
I enjoyed every page of this book. I like how the book depicts the beauty of the Caribbean through a community in La Moskitia, Honduras. The phrase "The Caribbean Sea was like a medicine. Its effects were instant" resonated with me. Moreover, the area's biodiversity included birds, mammals, marine life, and plants. The book is a call to action to conserve sea turtles, a species now endangered. Also, throughout the story, the author includes elements of the Honduran cuisine, such as sopa de caracol, baleadas, plátanos, homemade tortillas, and horchata. Abby, one of the characters, mentioned she would like to capture the aroma of the food in her photographs. In addition, friendship and courage were key components to solving the mystery in the story. I want to add that this book showed the readers the wonders of my beloved home country.
June 7, 2023
A believable, leisurely paced, lush mystery about who is stealing sea turtle eggs from a protected beach in Honduras. A great sense of place, as Barana has to take a boat bus to school, for example. Light touches of magical realism are never explained or explored, as Barana has a scar on her back that burns when her favorite turtle is coming or in danger, or as both Barana and Abby find carved turtles that light up or heat in response to the story. Abby and Barana both grow during the story, both individually and as friends. Occasional Spanish phrases offer flavor, but are understandable in context.
January 31, 2023
4.5 stars. for this middle-grade eco-mystery with magical elements set in Honduras. It is a beautifully written and wholesome story of friendship, community, ecology, and a touch of betrayal.
With the dual POV's, you really got to learn about Barana and Abby, to connect with them, and to feel like you're in the story with them. Then the Spanish beautifully woven in gave this story a more authentic feel.
Speaking of the Spanish though, as someone who unfortunately doesn't speak the language, there were a few times where I would have liked to have the context clues for what was being said sooner, like when the dialogue took up a decent chunk of space, because otherwise it stopped the flow of the story.
My only other criticism is that I personally don't think the magical elements were needed. Were they nice? Yes. I just don't think they were necessary. [I'd explain further, but I try to avoid spoilers.]
All in all, this is a wonderful book and I can't wait to buy the physical copy for my collection.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With the dual POV's, you really got to learn about Barana and Abby, to connect with them, and to feel like you're in the story with them. Then the Spanish beautifully woven in gave this story a more authentic feel.
Speaking of the Spanish though, as someone who unfortunately doesn't speak the language, there were a few times where I would have liked to have the context clues for what was being said sooner, like when the dialogue took up a decent chunk of space, because otherwise it stopped the flow of the story.
My only other criticism is that I personally don't think the magical elements were needed. Were they nice? Yes. I just don't think they were necessary. [I'd explain further, but I try to avoid spoilers.]
All in all, this is a wonderful book and I can't wait to buy the physical copy for my collection.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, twelve-year-old Abby has had very little experience in the wider world. Though her father is from Honduras, Abby has never seen his home, and after her best friend moved to London, Abby feels set adrift in her life and the limited travel she has done. So, when her papi gets invited to his hometown to help educate fishermen about safe diving, Abby is offered the rare and exciting opportunity to join him. While in Honduras, Abby meets a girl called Barana, and the girls’ complementary interests guide them on an important journey of friendship, conservation, and growth.
This sweet middle grade novel has all the hallmarks of quality stories in this genre: unlikely friends, discovering one’s inner strength, and thinking outside the norm to resolve a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. The narrative is told through the alternating perspectives of Barana and Abby, whose upbringing could not have been more different. While Barana loves poetry and sea turtles, Abby is more focused on her practice of wildlife photography. Together, the two girls have strengths that lead them to better outcomes than either could achieve on their own, and despite their initial reservations, the girls’ shared beliefs draw them ever closer together.
An author’s note at the beginning of the book explains some of the impetus for the story, especially with the author’s own experience in Honduras. The culture, food, landscapes, and beliefs of Honduras are beautifully depicted throughout the book, and readers will be frequently craving the many delectable foods Abby enjoys. Spanish language is embedded throughout the narrative, and it varies in length from a single word to an entire sentence. Usually, these insertions are defined naturally within follow-up commentary, which helps non-Spanish speakers feel more comfortable with the narrative. Beautiful and heartfelt, this book is at once a love letter to Honduras, an uplifting tale of friendship and belonging, and a reminder of the importance of nature conservation. It is a lovely addition to library collections for middle grade readers.
This sweet middle grade novel has all the hallmarks of quality stories in this genre: unlikely friends, discovering one’s inner strength, and thinking outside the norm to resolve a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. The narrative is told through the alternating perspectives of Barana and Abby, whose upbringing could not have been more different. While Barana loves poetry and sea turtles, Abby is more focused on her practice of wildlife photography. Together, the two girls have strengths that lead them to better outcomes than either could achieve on their own, and despite their initial reservations, the girls’ shared beliefs draw them ever closer together.
An author’s note at the beginning of the book explains some of the impetus for the story, especially with the author’s own experience in Honduras. The culture, food, landscapes, and beliefs of Honduras are beautifully depicted throughout the book, and readers will be frequently craving the many delectable foods Abby enjoys. Spanish language is embedded throughout the narrative, and it varies in length from a single word to an entire sentence. Usually, these insertions are defined naturally within follow-up commentary, which helps non-Spanish speakers feel more comfortable with the narrative. Beautiful and heartfelt, this book is at once a love letter to Honduras, an uplifting tale of friendship and belonging, and a reminder of the importance of nature conservation. It is a lovely addition to library collections for middle grade readers.
April 7, 2023
This was a really fun read. Maria Jose Fitzgerald is such a wonderful writer, who really puts you in place with specific, engaging details and lovable characters. I really enjoyed getting
exposure to this Honduran rural setting. The dual POVs are distinct, with great unique relatable perspectives.
When turtle eggs go missing on the beach, Barana and Abby team up to figure out what's happening--and in turn, discover poachers on the island they love. I love how the community responds to the results of the poaching situation, modeling that "Our Lord teaches us that the only way to move forward is through love, forgiveness, empathy, and compassion." Community is modeled so beautifully. "We will stand by you as your neighbors and rely on our collective strength to rise from these events …This is possible only if you promise to mend the damage you have done.” While the characters make mistakes, the story models figuring out how to solve problems the right way, and supporting people in what they love. A highly recommended read.
exposure to this Honduran rural setting. The dual POVs are distinct, with great unique relatable perspectives.
When turtle eggs go missing on the beach, Barana and Abby team up to figure out what's happening--and in turn, discover poachers on the island they love. I love how the community responds to the results of the poaching situation, modeling that "Our Lord teaches us that the only way to move forward is through love, forgiveness, empathy, and compassion." Community is modeled so beautifully. "We will stand by you as your neighbors and rely on our collective strength to rise from these events …This is possible only if you promise to mend the damage you have done.” While the characters make mistakes, the story models figuring out how to solve problems the right way, and supporting people in what they love. A highly recommended read.
November 4, 2022
Heartfelt and inspiring, Turtles of the Midnight Moon is an eco-mystery, told from the dual POV’s of Barana and Abby.
Abby is a budding photographer who goes along with her father on his work trip to Honduras. There, she meets Barnana, a young girl with a magical connection to sea turtles. Together they decide to solve the mystery of who is poaching sea turtle nests from the beach.
Maria José Fitzgerald’s beautifully descriptive writing makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of a storm in Honduras or walking among the extraordinary wildlife. It definitely made me want to visit Honduras. Barana and Abby are wonderful characters and I loved that the book was told from a dual POV, as both voices were completely unique and brought something special to the story. This is a book that’s going to be adored by so many children, especially wildlife lovers and environmentalists!
Abby is a budding photographer who goes along with her father on his work trip to Honduras. There, she meets Barnana, a young girl with a magical connection to sea turtles. Together they decide to solve the mystery of who is poaching sea turtle nests from the beach.
Maria José Fitzgerald’s beautifully descriptive writing makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of a storm in Honduras or walking among the extraordinary wildlife. It definitely made me want to visit Honduras. Barana and Abby are wonderful characters and I loved that the book was told from a dual POV, as both voices were completely unique and brought something special to the story. This is a book that’s going to be adored by so many children, especially wildlife lovers and environmentalists!
November 27, 2021
I read an early version of this story and absolutely fell in love! Turtles! Magic! Mystery! Abby and Barana will steal your hearts, and you'll be captivated by the gorgeous Honduran setting. A must-read!
October 19, 2023
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook for Turtles of the Midnight Moon, and let me tell you, it's one of my new favorite books!
It tells the story of two 12-year-old girls: Abby, a bicultural girl in New Jersey who loves photography and is dealing with loneliness and shyness after her best friend moved away. Her mom is American and whose dad was born in Honduras. I love the bicultural representation, as I have a Mexican/American family myself. I also really appreciated that Abby was proud of her Honduran culture, even though she had never been there. Her Spanish skills allow her to make friends and communicate when...
...She gets the opportunity to travel to Honduras with her father, who is a doctor who specializes in "the bends," a sickness that affects scuba divers who come up to the surface too quickly. So interesting! Abby and Papi head to Pataya, where she meets our second 12-year-old protagonist: Barana.
Barana has spent her whole life in Pataya, and is passionate about conservation efforts to protect the leatherback sea turtles and their eggs. She even has a moon-shaped scar that magically links her to Luna, a mama turtle who comes to shore to lay her eggs. Barana doesn't know why, but her scar will flare up when Luna is coming to visit or when she needs her. I loved this element, as well as some magic turtle totems the girls find, which also link them to Luna. It is such a perfect example of magical realism, a hallmark of Latino literature.
The story has so many wonderful elements; I could almost write a book about all of the parts I loved:
- Great story line with a very sweet and believable friendship arc between two girls from different cultures
- Excitement as they work to track down poachers to protect Luna's eggs
- Language - Spanish is woven masterfully into the dialogue, with English meanings able to be guessed from context clues and rephrasings. This is not always done well, but this author nails it!
- Culture - I learned so much about the culture of this small town in Honduras, and I loved how it all flowed so naturally.
- Animals - In addition to incredible encounters with giant leatherbacks, we meet manatees, dolphins, an adorable monkey named Pitufo (Smurf), and macaws. It sounds like a magical place!
- Character development - People in the story or not one-dimensional, and are living complicated situations, making decisions, and at times having regrets. The town shows so much love and acceptance, even when people make some poor decisions.
- Foods - The descriptions of baleadas, plantains, and other typical foods had my mouth watering and remembering my one short trip to Honduras.
- Personal growth: Discovering passions and talents, coming to realizations about friendships, interactions with parents, siblings, and friends
Turtles of the Midnight moon was such a wonderful book! I want to travel to Honduras right now. Thank you to María José Fitzgerald for this wonderful adventure.
It tells the story of two 12-year-old girls: Abby, a bicultural girl in New Jersey who loves photography and is dealing with loneliness and shyness after her best friend moved away. Her mom is American and whose dad was born in Honduras. I love the bicultural representation, as I have a Mexican/American family myself. I also really appreciated that Abby was proud of her Honduran culture, even though she had never been there. Her Spanish skills allow her to make friends and communicate when...
...She gets the opportunity to travel to Honduras with her father, who is a doctor who specializes in "the bends," a sickness that affects scuba divers who come up to the surface too quickly. So interesting! Abby and Papi head to Pataya, where she meets our second 12-year-old protagonist: Barana.
Barana has spent her whole life in Pataya, and is passionate about conservation efforts to protect the leatherback sea turtles and their eggs. She even has a moon-shaped scar that magically links her to Luna, a mama turtle who comes to shore to lay her eggs. Barana doesn't know why, but her scar will flare up when Luna is coming to visit or when she needs her. I loved this element, as well as some magic turtle totems the girls find, which also link them to Luna. It is such a perfect example of magical realism, a hallmark of Latino literature.
The story has so many wonderful elements; I could almost write a book about all of the parts I loved:
- Great story line with a very sweet and believable friendship arc between two girls from different cultures
- Excitement as they work to track down poachers to protect Luna's eggs
- Language - Spanish is woven masterfully into the dialogue, with English meanings able to be guessed from context clues and rephrasings. This is not always done well, but this author nails it!
- Culture - I learned so much about the culture of this small town in Honduras, and I loved how it all flowed so naturally.
- Animals - In addition to incredible encounters with giant leatherbacks, we meet manatees, dolphins, an adorable monkey named Pitufo (Smurf), and macaws. It sounds like a magical place!
- Character development - People in the story or not one-dimensional, and are living complicated situations, making decisions, and at times having regrets. The town shows so much love and acceptance, even when people make some poor decisions.
- Foods - The descriptions of baleadas, plantains, and other typical foods had my mouth watering and remembering my one short trip to Honduras.
- Personal growth: Discovering passions and talents, coming to realizations about friendships, interactions with parents, siblings, and friends
Turtles of the Midnight moon was such a wonderful book! I want to travel to Honduras right now. Thank you to María José Fitzgerald for this wonderful adventure.
March 5, 2023
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Turtles of the Midnight Moon is a middle-grade mystery set in parts in New Jersey but mostly Honduras. There are two girls about 12-years of age. Abby lives in New Jersey with her Michigan-born mom and Honduran-born father. He’s a doctor and is planning a trip to Honduras to help out the fishermen transition to lobster-catching, using techniques that will avoid the men from getting the bends. Abby loves photographing nature and her father thinks it was time she visited his homeland, and reluctantly, her mom agrees.
Barana is a Honduran girl whose jam is the leatherback turtles that come ashore on the beach near her house every year and lay their eggs. They’re endangered, because poachers often steal the eggs to sell as delicacies on the black market. Barana wants to do all she can to protect the turtles, but no one in her family seems to share the same enthusiasm with her. There’s an effort from a local ecologist, but they lack the funding and the willingness of the police to help guard the beaches.
I really enjoyed the immersion into Honduran life and how Abby doesn’t think she’ll fit in right away. She knows Spanish from her father, and finds that she can speak fluently with her hosts and their friends. It helps to know a little Spanish to read this book, or at least get it on Kindle and use the translate option, as quite a bit of the early dialogue and descriptions use Spanish words. Even though I was horrible at Spanish in high school, I was able to make out what Abby and Barana were talking about with the translate button on my tablet.
I liked the fact that the girls found a common element to bring them together, the sea turtles. Abby is lucky enough to capture images of the turtles with her camera, as well as all the other unusual wildlife in Honduras. Her teacher had urged her to take chances with her photography and step outside her comfort zone, and she finds herself doing just that, taking portraits of Barana and her family and friends, with permission, of course.
Barana is happy to have someone who wants to help the turtles as much as her. Her family thinks she spends too much time focusing on them. More often than not, she is saddled with looking after her baby sister while her older brother plays soccer or hangs out with friends. Yet her brother is also a champ environmentalist in cleaning up the beaches of garbage and recycling and making art.
This is an excellent story about friendship and growth as a human being, ecology and standing up for what you believe in.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Turtles of the Midnight Moon is a middle-grade mystery set in parts in New Jersey but mostly Honduras. There are two girls about 12-years of age. Abby lives in New Jersey with her Michigan-born mom and Honduran-born father. He’s a doctor and is planning a trip to Honduras to help out the fishermen transition to lobster-catching, using techniques that will avoid the men from getting the bends. Abby loves photographing nature and her father thinks it was time she visited his homeland, and reluctantly, her mom agrees.
Barana is a Honduran girl whose jam is the leatherback turtles that come ashore on the beach near her house every year and lay their eggs. They’re endangered, because poachers often steal the eggs to sell as delicacies on the black market. Barana wants to do all she can to protect the turtles, but no one in her family seems to share the same enthusiasm with her. There’s an effort from a local ecologist, but they lack the funding and the willingness of the police to help guard the beaches.
I really enjoyed the immersion into Honduran life and how Abby doesn’t think she’ll fit in right away. She knows Spanish from her father, and finds that she can speak fluently with her hosts and their friends. It helps to know a little Spanish to read this book, or at least get it on Kindle and use the translate option, as quite a bit of the early dialogue and descriptions use Spanish words. Even though I was horrible at Spanish in high school, I was able to make out what Abby and Barana were talking about with the translate button on my tablet.
I liked the fact that the girls found a common element to bring them together, the sea turtles. Abby is lucky enough to capture images of the turtles with her camera, as well as all the other unusual wildlife in Honduras. Her teacher had urged her to take chances with her photography and step outside her comfort zone, and she finds herself doing just that, taking portraits of Barana and her family and friends, with permission, of course.
Barana is happy to have someone who wants to help the turtles as much as her. Her family thinks she spends too much time focusing on them. More often than not, she is saddled with looking after her baby sister while her older brother plays soccer or hangs out with friends. Yet her brother is also a champ environmentalist in cleaning up the beaches of garbage and recycling and making art.
This is an excellent story about friendship and growth as a human being, ecology and standing up for what you believe in.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 10, 2023
Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald features the story of Barana and Abby, two friends united by their unadulterated love and admiration for nature.
Barana, an inhabitant of a small village in Honduras, has a rather unusual obsession with turtles. During the nesting season of the leatherback turtles, a group of notorious poachers begin to steal the eggs. The village is made aware of the situation, but nobody steps forward to resist the crime. Despite the dearth of support from the villagers and the involved danger, Barana decides to take the matter into her own hands for the sake of her beloved turtles. Backed by the magical connection with a special turtle and the unexpected friendship with Abby, a Honduran-American visitor who also happens to be an avid wildlife photographer, she dives into the case with the goal of bringing the reprobates to justice.
Opinion:
Amidst a sea of choices, the unique title and the gorgeous cover can, without a doubt, make the book standout from the rest. The start-off is intriguing, and therefore, once picked, the book is capable of keeping the readers glued right from the beginning. The excellent style of narration can offer a glimpse of what life is like in a seaside village of Honduras. Several aspects of Honduran culture has been portrayed in a wonderful manner in here. Another amazing thing about the book is that it can allow the readers to become aware of certain stereotypes and problematic attitudes, and check for themselves whether they are infected with any. Besides, the author has done a marvelous job with the switching of perspectives, and it has, in no place, appeared to be preposterous. Moreover, the book adeptly sheds light on the significance of love, compassion, forgiveness, and other essential human qualities. At last but not the least, it can foster awareness concerning the environment in the minds of both juvenile and mature readers.
Although the use of Spanish added both beauty and a sense of authenticity to the book, I feel that it would be beneficial for some readers if the author finds a way to incorporate the translation of the sentences written in the said language. However, I would like to add that the presence of Spanish in the book is rather unlikely to affect comprehension to a considerable extent.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a unique and brilliantly-crafted work.
Barana, an inhabitant of a small village in Honduras, has a rather unusual obsession with turtles. During the nesting season of the leatherback turtles, a group of notorious poachers begin to steal the eggs. The village is made aware of the situation, but nobody steps forward to resist the crime. Despite the dearth of support from the villagers and the involved danger, Barana decides to take the matter into her own hands for the sake of her beloved turtles. Backed by the magical connection with a special turtle and the unexpected friendship with Abby, a Honduran-American visitor who also happens to be an avid wildlife photographer, she dives into the case with the goal of bringing the reprobates to justice.
Opinion:
Amidst a sea of choices, the unique title and the gorgeous cover can, without a doubt, make the book standout from the rest. The start-off is intriguing, and therefore, once picked, the book is capable of keeping the readers glued right from the beginning. The excellent style of narration can offer a glimpse of what life is like in a seaside village of Honduras. Several aspects of Honduran culture has been portrayed in a wonderful manner in here. Another amazing thing about the book is that it can allow the readers to become aware of certain stereotypes and problematic attitudes, and check for themselves whether they are infected with any. Besides, the author has done a marvelous job with the switching of perspectives, and it has, in no place, appeared to be preposterous. Moreover, the book adeptly sheds light on the significance of love, compassion, forgiveness, and other essential human qualities. At last but not the least, it can foster awareness concerning the environment in the minds of both juvenile and mature readers.
Although the use of Spanish added both beauty and a sense of authenticity to the book, I feel that it would be beneficial for some readers if the author finds a way to incorporate the translation of the sentences written in the said language. However, I would like to add that the presence of Spanish in the book is rather unlikely to affect comprehension to a considerable extent.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a unique and brilliantly-crafted work.
March 11, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book! Barana lives in a small town in Honduras called Pataya. Though her parents saddle her with responsibilities (most of which consist of caring for her baby sister), Bataan’s true passion is the conservation & rehabilitation of the baulas—the leatherback sea turtles who use Pataya’s beaches for nesting.
Abby is American and though her father is from Pataya, this is the first summer where he has asked her to visit to see his first home. She is beyond excited, and has an extra mission: as a photographer, Abby hopes to capture the perfect picture to enter into a summer competition.
Barana and Abby at first do not want to be saddled with each other, but over the summer they find that their fates are intertwined. After a severe storm causes damage to the town, the sea turtle nests are threatened by poachers. Can Barana and Abby solve the mystery behind this threat?
I loved the second half of this book. I think that the relationship between Barana and Abby is so special (and I love the dusting of magical realism that is brought into their friendship). I also think that this books gives a window into true challenges that some may face—conservation of natural resources, lack of safe job support (particularly with physically demanding jobs like the lobster divers), & how much a community can come together in times of distress. The pacing of this book felt a little long-winded—especially for a middle grade story, the first half was very slow and it felt like some of the sections could have been edited down to get to the heart of the story between Barana and Abby. Overall, I could see some of my middle schoolers—particularly ones who like a splash of fantasy and magic in their stories—who would really enjoy this book.
Abby is American and though her father is from Pataya, this is the first summer where he has asked her to visit to see his first home. She is beyond excited, and has an extra mission: as a photographer, Abby hopes to capture the perfect picture to enter into a summer competition.
Barana and Abby at first do not want to be saddled with each other, but over the summer they find that their fates are intertwined. After a severe storm causes damage to the town, the sea turtle nests are threatened by poachers. Can Barana and Abby solve the mystery behind this threat?
I loved the second half of this book. I think that the relationship between Barana and Abby is so special (and I love the dusting of magical realism that is brought into their friendship). I also think that this books gives a window into true challenges that some may face—conservation of natural resources, lack of safe job support (particularly with physically demanding jobs like the lobster divers), & how much a community can come together in times of distress. The pacing of this book felt a little long-winded—especially for a middle grade story, the first half was very slow and it felt like some of the sections could have been edited down to get to the heart of the story between Barana and Abby. Overall, I could see some of my middle schoolers—particularly ones who like a splash of fantasy and magic in their stories—who would really enjoy this book.
April 1, 2023
4.5 Stars - Turtles of the Midnight Moon is the debut novel by Maria Jose Fitzgerald. Although this is not my typical genre of books, when I saw the title and the description I knew I had to read it. This book is recommended for middle school age, but I encourage anyone who has a love for sea turtles, conservation, and following a passion to read Turtles of the Midnight Moon.
The book is well written with detailed descriptions that put you right where the main characters are and I had a hard time putting it down. A story of family, culture, friendship, and protecting what you love. Abby is in the 6th grade and lives in New Jersey; she has the opportunity to travel to Honduras with her father over the summer and experiences life through the lens of a camera. The blending of cultures is beautifully written and I love the addition of some Spanish phrases. If abuela (Bela) only spoke English in a remote village of Honduras, it wouldn't be believable! Abby and Barana form a friendship that neither of them thought they needed, but I believe deep down wanted. There is magic, mystery, sorrow, and love. A twist that I didn't see coming until just before it happened and one mystery left unsolved ... leaving it up to the reader to decide who left the magical gifts.
A favorite quote from the book when poachers were discovered stealing eggs from the nests: "Conservationists have been hurt before. Barana knows that about our country. We're blessed with nature and wildlife that others only dream of, but we're also cursed because of it."
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Knopf Books for Young Readers for sending this ARC for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book is well written with detailed descriptions that put you right where the main characters are and I had a hard time putting it down. A story of family, culture, friendship, and protecting what you love. Abby is in the 6th grade and lives in New Jersey; she has the opportunity to travel to Honduras with her father over the summer and experiences life through the lens of a camera. The blending of cultures is beautifully written and I love the addition of some Spanish phrases. If abuela (Bela) only spoke English in a remote village of Honduras, it wouldn't be believable! Abby and Barana form a friendship that neither of them thought they needed, but I believe deep down wanted. There is magic, mystery, sorrow, and love. A twist that I didn't see coming until just before it happened and one mystery left unsolved ... leaving it up to the reader to decide who left the magical gifts.
A favorite quote from the book when poachers were discovered stealing eggs from the nests: "Conservationists have been hurt before. Barana knows that about our country. We're blessed with nature and wildlife that others only dream of, but we're also cursed because of it."
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Knopf Books for Young Readers for sending this ARC for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 13, 2023
Barana has always had a special bond with a particular leatherback sea turtle: she and Luna share the same moon-shaped scar. B will stop at nothing to ensure Luna's eggs are safe to hatch, but turtle eggs are a hot commodity, and standing up to poachers is risky even for adults. Barana's plan to patrol the beach to help hide turtle eggs is thwarted by the gringa daughter of an American docctor who Barana has to entertain during her vacation. Abby, on the other hand, is stressed because she wants to be a wildlife photographer, but her art teacher is disappointed that she never takes risks with her camera. Abby is about to take the biggest risk ever when she agrees to team up with Barana to protect the sea turtles.
This story has a lot of beautiful elements. The beaches and town of Pataya are vividly described, and the situation is laid out clearly in a way that reminds us that if no one takes the time to care, it's not just turtles who are at risk of extinction. I was frustrated by the pacing of this story, however. While the characters have clear goals, in Barana's case, her quest seems impossible. In Abby's, it's all too easy. I found it hard to read long stretches of this book in one sitting because the writing didn't inspire me to care about the characters and their mundane daily wandering. The fact that the two point of view characters don't even meet until halfway through the book made it even harder to get on board with the whole "I expect to hate this kid" business that the beginning is trying to establish--yet another "conflict" that goes nowhere. While I can appreciate the research and the heartbreak that went into this book, I didn't find the characters compelling or the plot interesting enough.
This story has a lot of beautiful elements. The beaches and town of Pataya are vividly described, and the situation is laid out clearly in a way that reminds us that if no one takes the time to care, it's not just turtles who are at risk of extinction. I was frustrated by the pacing of this story, however. While the characters have clear goals, in Barana's case, her quest seems impossible. In Abby's, it's all too easy. I found it hard to read long stretches of this book in one sitting because the writing didn't inspire me to care about the characters and their mundane daily wandering. The fact that the two point of view characters don't even meet until halfway through the book made it even harder to get on board with the whole "I expect to hate this kid" business that the beginning is trying to establish--yet another "conflict" that goes nowhere. While I can appreciate the research and the heartbreak that went into this book, I didn't find the characters compelling or the plot interesting enough.
March 13, 2023
Abby gets the opportunity to travel with her father to the small village in Honduras where he spent his early years. He is a doctor and is going to help the villagers by creating safer dive conditions for them. While he’s working, Abby gets to spend time with a local girl, who is also 12, named Barana. They become fast friends and Abby joins Barana in trying to solve the mystery of who is poaching turtle eggs from the village beach.
This was a sweet story of friendship and family, yet was also suspenseful as the girls worked to try to save the turtle eggs from dangerous poachers. There are beautiful descriptions of the Honduran village, the homes, schools, food, and customs. Spanish words and phrases are mixed into the text, with definitions, so that the reader is more immersed into the culture. There is also an element of magic woven throughout the story, but you will need to read the novel to discover it for yourself.
This novel is perfect for upper elementary and middle school age children and would make a good read-aloud if the teacher is able to correctly pronounce the Spanish phrases.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #RandomHouseChildren’sBooks for an eARC of #TurtlesoftheMidnightMoon by #MariaJoseFitzgerald
It was a beautiful story! 5 stars
This was a sweet story of friendship and family, yet was also suspenseful as the girls worked to try to save the turtle eggs from dangerous poachers. There are beautiful descriptions of the Honduran village, the homes, schools, food, and customs. Spanish words and phrases are mixed into the text, with definitions, so that the reader is more immersed into the culture. There is also an element of magic woven throughout the story, but you will need to read the novel to discover it for yourself.
This novel is perfect for upper elementary and middle school age children and would make a good read-aloud if the teacher is able to correctly pronounce the Spanish phrases.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #RandomHouseChildren’sBooks for an eARC of #TurtlesoftheMidnightMoon by #MariaJoseFitzgerald
It was a beautiful story! 5 stars
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