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Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-57131-624-1
Pages: 236
Publish Date: Dec, 1999
Genre: Young Readers
The Ocean Within
BY V.M. Caldwell
In this story of a foster child and her new family, it’s Elizabeth v. “Iron Woman.” Who will win? Elizabeth is the newest member of the big and boisterous Sheridan family. They try to make her feel at home, but Elizabeth stays apart. She knows from previous experience in foster homes that one day she’ll be sent away.
As the story opens, all the Sheridan kids are headed to the beach for a vacation at their grandmother’s house. Elizabeth secretly looks forward to fulfilling one of her private dreams: to see the ocean. The Sheridans, on the other hand, are just too much—too prone to hugging, too loud, too enthusiastic. Only Petey, the youngest boy, is not overwhelming to be with.
Pretty soon Elizabeth has found a favorite perch overlooking the water. But her attitude threatens to ruin everyone’s vacation. It’s only a matter of time before a showdown between Elizabeth and the grandma she calls “Iron Woman” ensues.
Contributors: Illustrations by Erica Magnus
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Tides
It's Elizabeth Sheridan's second year with her adoptive family and she's been looking forward all winter to being back at Grandma's house with her cousins and taking her first plunge in the ocean.
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“An insightful story filled with all of the mundane details that make a novel rich and real.”
—School Library Journal“A finely crafted first novel that looks at family and new opportunities from the perspectives of a foster child. . . . Absorbed young readers will find they are holding their breath at the end.”
—Kirkus Reviews“Caldwell's striking writing style emphasizes the emotions of young Elizabeth. . . . A moving story of change."
—Children's Bookwatch“This book of hope and empathy —a book crying to be read —tells the story of eleven-year-old Elizabeth, who has been tossed from one foster home to another. . . . Well written with characters who are fully developed and believable, this book covers topics that will touch the hearts of many young readers—foster care, adoption, anger, and love. This moving work's message transcends the easy reading level and makes it good for younger students or reluctant readers.”
—VOYA“Caldwell is perceptive both about Elizabeth's guardedness and her genuine discomfort with her boisterous new family. . . . A story that is simultaneously high-minded and intensely emotional.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“V.M. Caldwell does an excellent job of sharing the inner thoughts, struggles, and triumphs of a child who has been orphaned and moved from home to home. . . . The Ocean Within is a book that will give the reader an understanding of family togetherness and acceptance of those who are different.”
—Christian Library Services
