The Secret of the Catapus

<p><strong>A Seal. A Circle of Friends. A Special Kind of Magic.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>2026 Green Earth Book Award - Honor Book | 2026 Maine Literary Award for Young People's Literature | 2026 Lupine Award - Shortlist</strong></p><p></p><p>Twelve-year-old Ellie moves to her late grandmother's coastal homestead in Whitneyport Maine and uncovers unexpected truths about her family and the natural world around her. Guided by new friends a mysterious harbor seal and her grandmother's legacy she finds her voice as a young climate activist.</p><p></p><p>Set against the wild beauty of the Maine coast <em>The Secret of the Catapus</em> is a coming-of-age story that blends ecological urgency with heart humor and a touch of magical realism.</p><p></p><p><em>Beautifully written... with a vivid sense of place that will connect readers with nature and make the environmental crisis real and personal.</em> -Nicola Davies author of <em>The Song That Sings Us</em></p><p><em>An extraordinary story of love: for the natural world for standing up for what is right and for carrying forward a grandparent's legacy.</em> -Gregory Brown author of <em>The Lowering Days</em></p><p></p><p>For fans of <em>Hoot</em> by Carl Hiaasen and anyone who loves the sea and believes in protecting what matters.</p>