Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea

Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins introduces two irresistible sisters―Alix and Jools―and takes readers on an unforgettable vacation to the beach. This chapter book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 7 to 9 who are reading independently. It’s a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.

This joyful celebration of sisters, family, friendship, and the ocean is illustrated in black-and-white throughout. The Wall Street Journal said, “Ocean meets sky meets two young girls in Lynne Rae Perkins’s affectionate chapter book. . . . Illustrations by the author add wit and tenderness to this sunny summer story.” For fans of Kate DiCamillo and Rebecca Stead.

Alix and her older sister, Jools, have never been to the ocean. When their parents pack them up to spend a week by the shore, Alix is nervous about leaving home―but excited, too. At the beach, the sisters make friends, go exploring, and have adventures big and small. To Alix’s surprise, as the week comes to an end, she finds she doesn’t want to leave!

Each chapter contains its own miniature discovery―from picking periwinkles, meeting a crab, and making sandcastles, to exploring the nearby town. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins has beautifully crafted a genuine and engaging novel about sisters, family, and exploration.

A great read-aloud, as well as a good choice for newly independent readers. Booklist said, “Ordinary pleasures, in the hands of a writer so skilled, are elevated.” Features black and white art throughout; the paperback edition also includes three summer craft projects to make at home.

This gentle story captures all the quiet wonders of a classic family vacation at the shore.

• A Heartwarming Sister Story: Join Alix and Jools on their first-ever trip to the ocean, where they share secrets, adventures, and a cozy room in Kerr's Kabana.
• Seaside Exploration: From collecting sea glass and periwinkles to building magnificent sandcastles, every day brings a new, gentle discovery by the salty sea.
• Making New Friends: A sweet story of summer friendship, as the sisters meet new friends like Nessa and learn that home can be a feeling, not just a place.
• Perfect for Summer Reading: An ideal chapter book for newly independent readers ages 7-9, and a wonderful family read-aloud that brings the magic of a beach vacation to life.
• Bonus Craft Activities: The paperback edition extends the fun with three summer craft projects, making it a wonderful supplement to kids’ activity books.

Lynne Rae Perkins was awarded the Newbery Medal for Criss Cross. She is the author of five other novels—All Alone in the Universe, As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth, Nuts to You, Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea, and Violet and Jobie in the Wild. Lynne Rae Perkins has also written and illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including Frank and Lucky Get Schooled, The Broken Cat, Snow Music, Pictures from Our Vacation, The Cardboard Piano, Wintercake, and The Museum of Everything. The author lives with her family in northern Michigan. Visit her online at lynnerae.com.