Beyond the Bright Sea

Crow has lived her entire twelve years on a tiny island off the coast of New England with Osh, the man who pulled found her floating in a skiff when she was a newborn baby.  She also has Miss Maggie, who lives on the next island.  Together, they form a kind of family, but Crow has always been curious her birth parents. 

Her curiosity comes to a head when she sees a fire one night on a nearby island that's been uninhabited for years.  It used to be home to a leper colony.  Once Crow begins to investigate that fire, she is involved in a chain reaction that will lead to answers and to danger.  She will take risks, make discoveries about herself, and join the many people who have searched the Elizabeth Islands for buried pirate treasure. 

There are so many things to love about Lauren Wolk's new book.  Crow's family and the ramshackle house built from the detritus of shipwrecks is one charming and metaphorical touch.  The factual information about leprosy and pirate treasure are woven beautifully into the story, as well.  My only complaint is that I wanted a little more explanation about Osh's mysterious past!  Recommended!