Spotting Dottie - (Orca Currents) by Gail Anderson-Dargatz (Paperback)

About the Book

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, fourteen-year-old Charlotte wants to use her new drone to prove that Dottie, the elusive lake monster of Dorothy Lake, really exists.

Book Synopsis

Charlotte is going to prove her grandma is right--the lake monster is real!

When Charlotte gets a drone for her fourteenth birthday, she's determined to get footage of Dottie, the elusive lake monster of Dorothy Lake. Her grandma, who has dedicated her life to searching for the monster, is the joke of the town. But when Charlotte manages to capture a video of the monster and posts it online, she's the sudden target of a media storm. Now everyone is making fun of her too. Worse, droves of monster hunters arrive in her town, crowding the lake. When their boat propellers threaten to hurt Dottie, Charlotte is faced with a difficult choice.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"This story offers an excellent opportunity to talk about topics such as bullying, community, family, and difference in a non-threatening venue."

-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)"

"Gail Anderson-Dargatz deftly demonstrates a young teenager's voice in Charlotte, who is a relatable character...The interesting plot of hunting for lake monsters is very suitable for this audience of late elementary students."

-- "Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children's Book News"

"A fabulous read that will leave its readers wondering: 'What would I do if I was placed in a similar situation?' Highly Recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

"In addition to being a fun story with a surprising and satisfying outcome, [Spotting Dottie] tackles valuable interpersonal struggles like truth-telling, self-sacrifice, endangered animals, teasing and bullying, and intergenerational family communication, all in natural and surprisingly subtle ways."

-- "Booklist"

"Readers will relate to Charlotte's dogged enthusiasm to redeem her beloved grandmother's reputation, as well as the allure and volatility of internet fame... Anderson-Dargatz's novel tackles faith, family dynamics, and staying true to yourself in hi-lo format...A realistic fiction novel with a fun cryptid twist. A recommended addition to hi-lo -collections."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

About the Author

Gail Anderson-Dargatz is the award-winning author of over twenty books, including The Cure for Death by Lightning and A Recipe for Bees, which were finalists for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. She has also written a number of short novels for striving readers, including the Orca Anchor title My Life Off-Key and the Orca Currents titles Bigfoot Crossing and Iggy's World, both JLG Gold Standard Selections, and The Ride Home, which was shortlisted for a BC and Yukon Book Prize. Gail lives in the Shuswap region of British Columbia.