Publisher's Weekly Review
Kailey, the likable if naive 10-year-old narrator of Koss's (The Girls) one-note novel, loves exploring tide pools and boogie boarding with her best friend on the California coast. When plans for a new resort spell the destruction of the tide pools, the ever-optimistic Kailey organizes an "art protest," hoping to change the developer's plans. That a pre-teen manages to change the course of big business in only a few days, when organized efforts by adults have failed, strains credibility. Relationships between characters seem contrived and serve convenient ends (the chairperson of the project is the son-in-law of the favorite waitress at a local diner; Kailey's mother is a marine biologist). Admirers of Koss's insightful probings of the middle-school psyche may be disappointed in the cursory effort here. Ages 8-up. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Gr. 3-6. The story featuring the latest limited-edition American Girl doll character is a pleasant surprise. In Koss' capable hands, the potentially trite, Pollyanna story of a plucky, 10-year-old California boogie-boarder who takes on wealthy developers not only is believable and readable but also offers good character development, lots of conflict, excellent description, and a realistic conclusion. Although Kailey often hears her parents discussing development in their beachside town, their comments don't mean much until a sign announcing a new mall and theater complex appears on her favorite beach. With the tide pools in danger, Kailey organizes a protest, mobilizing her friends (who are actually pleased about the development), her parents (though her artist father may lose a substantial commission), local business people, and families. Koss' thoughtful presentation to the developer results in a satisfying compromise, proving that even 10-year-olds can make a difference. The commercial complex will be built, of course, but Kailey's beach and tide pools will be preserved. A list of Web resources and an account of a real-life young naturalist are appended. --Chris Sherman Copyright 2003 Booklist
