This is the story of a mother and her daughter, Geetha, who leave their home to come to America to find a new, and hopefully better life. But Geetha is not welcomed by any of the girls in her class, although she finds a friend in one boy, Miguel, who plays the violin.

When Geetha and Miguel are at the beach, they come across an injured seal pup, so while they are waiting for the rescue team to arrive, Geetha plays her flute in order to soothe the seal pup. Both Geetha and Miguel continue to check in on the seal’s progress, watching and waiting for it to recover. They also decide to clean up the beach, and soon there are others from their school who join in to help with the clean up.

A sweet story of friendship, as well as acceptance, even if it is slightly delayed.


Pub Date: 21 Jan 2025


Many thanks for the ARC provided by PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group / Nancy Paulsen Books

A sweet story in verse about a girl struggling with homesickness, a new friend, a rescued seal and the power of music.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC.

In this novel-in-verse, Geetha has a lot going on after moving to the states because her parents have separated and she’s being bullied at school. Music has always been important to her and when she makes a friend, Miguel, she finds he plays the violin. When they find an injured seal pup Geetha plays her flute to calm it while they wait for the rescue team to arrive. Geetha and Miguel continue to visit the seal and watch its recovery. While at the beach Miguel and Geetha see all the trash and decide to clean up the beach. They tell others at school, and they help clean. When it’s time for the seal to be released back, Geetha plays her flute knowing her love for music will always be there even in uncertain times.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.