About the Author

Jane Godwin is the Publisher for Young Readers at Penguin Books Australia. She is also a highly acclaimed author of many books for children. Her work is published internationally and she has received many commendations. Together with Anna Walker, Jane has created several bestselling picture books, including Little Cat and the Big Red Bus, All Through the Year, Today We Have No Plans, Starting School and, most recently, What Do You Wish For? www.janegodwin.com.au

Reviews

Gr 5-8-Strangers at first, 14-year-old Kip and 12-year-old Annie relate in alternating voices how they are drawn together in a bizarre drama involving Annie's 13-year-old sister, Grace. Playing a family tracking game of hide-and-seek on Point Nepean beach, Australia, Grace stops to rescue an injured penguin as a severe storm approaches. Annie protests and reaches for Grace as she slips off a rock cliff and vanishes into the roiling water. Meanwhile Kip, on another part of the beach, witnesses a boy jump out of a moving car, run past him, and vanish in the darkening turbulence. The car does not stop or turn around. The plot becomes more convoluted as Kip finds a backpack (Grace's) in the water and seeks shelter from the storm in the beach house of an aging alcoholic rock star. As events coalesce, Kip becomes a suspect in Grace's disappearance, yet redeems himself somewhat when he rescues the mysterious boy from near drowning. Readers of all abilities will appreciate the short, descriptive chapters; teachers and librarians will value the possibilities for discussion in this unusual mystery that's sure to prompt readers to examine the consequences of their choices.-D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.