Smart & Entertaining
Fourteen-year-old Samantha spends her days exploring the shallow reef behind her island home. With her world locked in a battle against rising seas, scientists deploy genetically modified corals to rebuild reefs and protect the coastline. No one expects the reefs to be a hotbed of evolution, but they are.
When an octopus flows off a rock in her lagoon, Samantha is startled. When he purposefully arranges pieces of coral on the sand, trying to communicate, she is shocked. How she responds may determine the fate of life on Earth.
Testimonial
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January 22, 2024
I highly recommend! It was incredibly fascinating and I didn't know octopuses were that intelligent! The author did her research well and it was an easy read. Highly recommend!
January 16, 2024
I love the idea of a species of octopus with a language that could be understood by humankind. The science is very plausible.
May 17, 2023
This was a unique story. Author did a good job at creating a character that was very likable and relatable. The setting was unique, and the story in narrative really kept me engaged.
November 25, 2022
Thought-provoking story set in the near future, this story presents a fantasy story that is relevant to today. With the threat of climate change, this story is both informative and heart-warming.
January 10, 2023
In a world challenged by climate change, Fourteen year old Samantha encounters an intelligent octopus on an experimentally created coral reef. This is a well-written book with a great message.
January 5, 2023
Charlie’s Story: First Contact by Ann McNicol is about a friendship between Samantha and Charlie. The novel has well-developed characters, with the voice of the protagonist, a strong, intelligent heroine, descriptively rich world-building, and a book that balances environmental concerns with hope. Great novel!
November 10, 2022
Hard Cover
Locked in a battle against the rising sea, scientists deploy genetically modified corals to rebuild the coral reefs and protect coastal shores. No one expected the expanded reef system would become a hotbed of evolution. But it did.
I enjoyed listening to the friendship between Samantha and Charlie develop. This easy to read story is fun for teens and people of all ages.