From the bestselling author of Song for a Whale comes a moving tale about the life-changing bond between a boy and the octopus he rescues.

Max can't seem to escape the big, looming shadow of his politician dad. But for the next few months, Max and his mom are going away to a quiet Texas beach town where Max can be someone else. Someone who doesn't make dumb mistakes that embarrass his father--someone who knows how to be strong.

He stumbles on his fresh start right away, when he finds an injured octopus washed up onshore after a storm. With the help of a local wildlife center and a couple of new friends, Max rescues the octopus--who they name Ursula--and vows to take care of her until she's ready to return to the sea.

But as their bond deepens and Max makes unexpected discoveries that turn his summer upside down, Max's true strength will be put to the test. Can he keep his promise after all?

Author: Lynne Kelly
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: 10/07/2025
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 8.25h x 5.50w x 0.72d
ISBN: 9780593898390


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 08/11/2025

About the Author
Lynne Kelly is the award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling author of Song for a Whale, The Secret Language of Birds, and Three Blue Hearts. She lives with her dogs Abigail and Eloise near Houston, where she works as a sign language interpreter and writes books for kids.