Make a Little Wave - by Kerry O'Malley Cerra (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When shy Savannah discovers her friend's family is involved in inhumanely killing endangered sharks for profit, she forces herself out of her comfort zone to stand up for the sharks"--

Book Synopsis

Swim with the current, or go against the flow?

Savannah has been feeling out of place ever since her family moved to Sandy Dune, Florida. She finds it easier to make friends with animals than people. Plus, everyone in Sandy Dune seems to love spending time in the ocean, and Sav never feels comfortable leaving the shore.

When her classmate Tanner invites her to the opening of his family's restaurant, Sav's excited--until she's served a bowl of shark fin soup. Sav has always been scared of sharks, but she's horrified that they're inhumanely killed for this expensive delicacy. Especially as she learns more about these surprisingly gentle creatures and discovers that some shark species are being hunted to the point of endangerment. Tanner's family brushes off her concerns, but Sav resolves to stop them from serving the soup.

To do that, she'll have to learn how to use her voice and face her biggest fears.

Review Quotes

"This realistic portrayal of a kid who goes full steam ahead with her passion is a relatable, engaging, if sometimes frustrating, read that captures the hard-headedness of an eighth grader and provides nuance and growth for the burgeoning activist."--Booklist

-- (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Via empathetic depictions of her actions--through which Sav makes more than a little wave--O'Malley Cerra (Just a Drop of Water) illustrates how diplomacy and team-building get the job done."--Publishers Weekly

-- (8/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"A conservation tale with the ability to empower readers."--Kirkus Reviews

-- (7/29/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"A heartfelt and powerful exploration of one girl's journey to find not just her voice but a way to be heard. I loved Sav's passion, her flaws, and her heart as she spoke for the sharks and inspired her community."--Jess Redman, author of The Adventure Is Now

-- (1/17/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"A must-read for any young shark enthusiasts--or indeed anyone who cares about protecting wildlife."--Lily Williams, coauthor of Go With the Flow and Look on the Bright Side

-- (1/17/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Sav sets out to change the world like most of us--clumsily and with many a cringeworthy caper. But it's her willingness to grow that makes her the kind of heroine who genuinely makes a difference. I greatly enjoyed this read."--Fred Koehler, author of Garbage Island

-- (1/17/2024 12:00:00 AM)