The Silent Storm - Softcover

SHERRY GARLAND is the author of many award-winning novels and picture books, including Indio, The Last Rainmaker. She lives in central Texas. www.sherrygarland.com

Grade 6-8-- Alyssa, 13, has not spoken since her parents died in a hurricane three years ago. Living with her dispirited grandfather on Galveston Island, Texas, she is allowed almost total freedom to fish, sail, and ride horses. When faced with another dangerous hurricane, the girl must come to terms with her role in her parents' accident and prevent her brother and grandfather from becoming victims this time around. Garland writes evocatively of her coastal setting, developing a solid sense of place. The importance of the weather to people who live and work on the ocean is clearly described. Factual information about shrimping, the mechanics of boats, and the behavior of storms is smoothly worked into the story. The hurricane is presented as both scary and thrilling. The adventure elements of the plot add pizazz, but the danger is not romanticized. The characterizations of family members made fearful by previous losses are well developed. Alyssa's grandfather knows he should be more involved in the girl's life, but it is easier to let her do as she wishes while he mourns his son. Supporting figures such as Alyssa's younger brother, her aunt, and cousin are more sketchily, but still vividly, described. This book will have appeal for lovers of the outdoors as well as anyone who appreciates an exciting, atmospheric story. --Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, County of Henrico Public Library, Richmond, VA
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