The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Halfway to Harbor - by Nicole Melleby

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Habor spends more time at her dad's house as she attends an elite basketball league, and as she improves her jump shot and makes new connections, she becomes torn between staying with her dad and her beloved Sunrise Lagoon.

Book Synopsis

In the third book set at The House on Sunrise Lagoon, oldest sibling Harbor must navigate spending half a summer away from her beloved home, the pull between her two families, and a growing crush on a girl on her basketball team.

If you want to get to know Harbor Moore, you need to know three things:

1. Sometimes she signs her name Harbor Ali-O'Connor to match her siblings.
2. She misses her dad a lot, but she doesn't want to be away from her moms and siblings, either.
3. She just might have her first crush.

Harbor is excited to spend the summer working on her jump shot in an elite basketball league. But the games take place near her dad's house--hours away from her beloved Sunrise Lagoon. Suddenly, she's spending every weekend at her dad's and getting to know Quinn, a girl whose smile makes her feel warm inside. Still, Harbor can't help wondering what's going on at home. Why is Sam hanging out with Harbor's best friend? Has Marina's friend Boom taken her place in the house? What have the twins "borrowed" this time for one of their disastrous scientific experiments?

When it comes time to decide whether Harbor will stay and play basketball with her team--and Quinn--all year round, or continue to live on Sunrise Lagoon, Harbor thinks she knows what to do . . . but is it the right decision?

Review Quotes

"Moments of madcap humor and familial warmth characterize this emotionally generous summer tale from Melleby, which showcases the author's command of fully realized characterization and distinct relationship dynamics." -Publishers Weekly (The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Sam Makes a Splash)

"Layered family dynamics run through the heart of this character-driven story in which the love and devotion shared are as sure as the tides... An enjoyable and heartwarming read." -Kirkus Reviews (The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Sam Makes a Splash)

"The Ali-O'Connors are an appealing bunch, each with their own quirks and foibles. The rivalry between Sam (who is adopted) and slightly older sister Harbor (Mom's biological child) is both believable and heart-wrenching at times; Marina (also adopted) is book-loving and reserved; and younger twins Cordelia and Lir (Mama's biological children) add humorous, relatable moments to the story. Perhaps most heartwarming is the tentative alliance that develops between Sam and Harbor as they team up to help Mom." -Booklist (The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Sam Makes a Splash)

"This second series installment focuses on symptoms of severe anxiety emerging within a loving support network. Readers will appreciate the boisterous family dynamics and thoughtful treatment of mental health concerns. Entertaining and satisfying." -Kirkus Reviews (The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Marina in the Middle)

About the Author

Nicole Melleby, a New Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season, ALA Notable book How to Become a Planet, Camp QUILTBAG (co-written with A. J. Sass), and The House on Sunrise Lagoon series. She's also the author of Sunny and Oswaldo, her debut picture book. She lives with her wife and their cats, whose need for attention oddly aligns with Nicole's writing schedule. Visit her online at nicolemelleby.com.