What a lovely story. I strongly recommend this to schools and libraries. It touches on many of the issues that are pressing to people of all ages: the environmental ones as well as the personal issues that confront school children. The scenes from Maine are vivid and compellling and the relationships of the people with the ocean, the setting is wonderful. Highly recommended.

Review of “The Secret of the Catapus” by Robin Elspeth Jenkins. This moving novel blends equal parts heartfelt activism, magical realism, and coming of age. From the moment of meeting Ellie, uprooted and facing change, the author pulls us into a Maine coastline that breathes. The salt air, seabirds, and hidden rhythms of the tides ---they are not just backdrop, but character in their own right. Jenkins has a gift for place: the natural world here is vivid, alive, and intimate. Landing hardest is the emotional truth. Ellie’s voice is full of passion and uncertainty, and she is surrounded by people—new friends, her grandmother, the quirky edges of the town—who care deeply, argue, and sometimes disappoint. Ellie’s growth into her role as a young climate activist is inspiring. The stakes feel real. “The Secret of the Catapus” blends friendship, family, and magical realism with a powerful call to care for the natural world. Ellie’s journey is both inspiring and relatable, capturing the uncertainty of growing up while discovering her own voice as a young activist. The Maine coast comes alive on the page, and threads of mystery and wonder make this story. It is a luminous book full of heart, hope, and purpose—one I highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this coming of age story. I simply couldn't put it down! Wow!
There were many things that I loved about it. The seals for one. Ive never read a,book focused on them.
Ive learned much in this story. The environment issues was interesting. I never knew about this issue
I also loved the setting of coastal Maine. I enjoyed my visit. So beautiful!! Ive not read many books with this setting, so this was a treat.
Ellie and her friends were a joy to know. I felt like they were my friends too. I did laugh in some places.
Catapus was awesome. In my opinion, he made this story. He made me smile from time to time.
This story is told from Ellie's point of view. My favorite telling in a book. I feel more connected with her and others characters if a story is written like that.
5 stars from me for a wonderful adventure! I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.