The Big Yank

Samantha Wellesley has lived her whole twelve years in the middle of land-locked southern Texas. She's never been near the ocean. But her world changes when her family moves ... not just to the edge of the ocean, but to a floating bubble on the ocean to do research.  Will it be cold and stormy all the time? Will she be seasick as the bubble tosses about on the ocean? Fortunately, there is another family with twins Cassie and Donovan to help chart the new path. Samantha must learn a new "normal" as they explore the ocean together and face many challenges in their floating lab.

In this first book of the Splash! series, Samantha will explore Monterey Bay, California - the town of Monterey with Cannery Row and the aquarium as well as go kayaking in Elkhorn Slough further up the coast. The Bubble will then motor up to Santa Cruz in the second book, to San Francisco Bay in the third book and on up the west coast to Alaska. Along the way, Samantha will solve mysteries, save animals, and get herself and new friends out of many difficult situations. And as she goes, she will learn about the ocean, the life in it, and what she can do to help protect the health of the oceans.

If you enjoy action and exploration like the Virginia Series, the Magic Tree House, National Treasure, and the National Park Mystery Series, you'll love this series. These illustrated books are popular with both girls and boys ages 8-12, appealing to even reluctant readers.

Big Decisions - Ocean Exploration - Marine Animal Rescues - New Friends