Ages 8-12

A Seal. A Circle of Friends. A Special Kind of Magic.

Twelve-year-old Ellie moves to her grandmother’s Maine homestead, uncovering extraordinary secrets about her family, community, and nature. In this small coastal town, she finds her voice as a young climate activist, aided by a group of new friends, a mysterious seal, and her grandmother’s spirit. Set on the wild Maine coast, The Secret of the Catapus is a coming-of-age tale blending environmental urgency with heartfelt storytelling, humor, and magical realism.

If you’re looking for middle-grade books about climate change, children’s books set on the Maine coast, or novels that blend friendship, marine life, and environmental themes—The Secret of the Catapus is your next must-read.

Ideal for fans of Hoot, The Last Bear, and Willa of the Wood,The Secret of the Catapus invites young readers to love fiercely, act boldly, and protect the natural world—starting right where they are.