Out of My Shell

Gr 3-7–Twelve-year-old Olivia is staying at her grandparents’ house with her mom and younger sister Lanie for the family’s annual vacation to Florida. This is the first year her dad isn’t along for the trip, owing to her parents’ recent separation. Olivia, who shares many of his interests, misses her dad and the “Forrester Family Fabulous Facts” he would share throughout the journey. Meanwhile, things are awkward with her summer friend Aiden, whose grandfather is the caretaker for the Beachcomber Inn next door, which is under new management this summer. When Olivia discovers sea turtle hatchlings endangered by the bright lights at the back of the inn (they are causing the baby turtles to crawl in the wrong direction when looking for water), she vows to fix the problem and help save them. Throughout the summer, Olivia faces the struggles of having parents who are separated. She takes pictures and sends her dad texts so that he will think she is having a good time, and she worries about her mom, whom she catches crying and talking to her aunt about possibly moving Olivia and her sister to Florida. While finding her place among family, friends, and her new normal, Olivia learns that there are still plenty of people who care about her even when life feels so different.