Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk This is already one of our favorite middle grades of the year, and for all its sophisticated, rich language,
evocative island setting and multidimensional characters, it's also packed full of mysteries and surprises.
The name, alone, is an instant win:
evocative of escape, of holidaying, and capable of stirring a little nostalgia, too, with its clear Super Mario Sunshine references — the airport's on an
island, reminiscent of the Isle Delfino
setting.