Meranda and the Legend of the Lake

by Meagan Mahoney (Author)

Meranda and the Legend of the Lake
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Eleven-year-old Meranda thought her life was complicated enough with physical challenges (she uses crutches to walk) and her helicopter parents. But when her great-uncle Mark dies, Meranda and her family visit Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where her parents grew up and where she hasn't been since the age of three. Soon, secrets begin to unfold: Why does the newspaper headline say her great-uncle Mark's death was suspicious? Why do strangers keep calling Meranda "miracle baby"? Why does her usually calm mother seem so panicky and scared? And what on earth does all this have to do with mermaids?

Meranda and her new friend, Claire, decide to investigate on their own. But as Meranda begins to separate fact from fiction, she finds herself in very real danger ... With an intriguing mystery afoot, and a strong-willed, resilient heroine at the helm, this mythical maritime novel celebrates coming of age and growing into yourself.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.95

Kirkus

Dark family secrets, hints of magic, and a very tidy resolution after pleasing thrills.

ALA/Booklist

The multigenerational family dynamics add to the characterization and further reveal the challenges facing a girl with a disability vying for independence from her overprotective parents. Kids fascinated by mermaids but not quite ready for Jennifer Donnelly’s expansive Waterfire Saga series will appreciate this deep dive into folklore about merpeople.


Review quotes

"The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing ... Students who enjoy fantasy titles will like this book."— School Library Connection
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781771474344
Lexile Measure
670
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Owlkids
Publication date
September 15, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
JUV039150 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Special Needs
JUV066000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mermaids
Library of Congress categories
Mother and child
People with disabilities
Family secrets
Domestic fiction
Cerebral palsy
JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Di
Cape Breton Island (N.S.)
JUVENILE FICTION / Family / General
JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Canada /
School Library Connection, 10/01/21

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