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Children's Fiction Mysteries & Detective Stories

Meranda and the Legend of the Lake

by (author) Meagan Mahoney

Publisher
Owlkids Books Inc.
Initial publish date
Sep 2021
Category
Mysteries & Detective Stories, Special Needs, Mermaids, Multigenerational
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781771474344
    Publish Date
    Sep 2021
    List Price
    $19.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781771475433
    Publish Date
    May 2022
    List Price
    $11.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781771476218
    Publish Date
    Aug 2023
    List Price
    $13.95

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Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 8 to 12
  • Grade: 3 to 12

Description

Anne of Green Gables meets Song for a Whale with a touch of Nancy Drew in this debut middle-grade mystery

"Mahoney’s debut novel combines the fantastical and contemporary to create an accessible story for young readers ... An intriguing mystery set in the mythical backdrop of a coastal Canadian town, starring an unstoppable girl driven by curiosity and her adventurous nature." — Booklist

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.

About the author

Meagan Mahoney is an author who balances her love of writing with her work as a pediatric intensive care doctor. Her debut novel, Meranda and the Legend of the Lake, was nominated for the 2023 Forest of Reading Silver Birch Fiction Award, IODE Violet Downey Book Award, and R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, where she loves to explore the mountains with her husband, three children, and a very nervous rescue dog.

Meagan Mahoney's profile page

Awards

  • Short-listed, Silver Birch Fiction Award
  • Short-listed, Violet Downey Book Award
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens
  • Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Read
  • Short-listed, R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature
  • Commended, A Junior Library Guild Selection

Editorial Reviews

"Mahoney’s debut novel combines the fantastical and contemporary to create an accessible story for young readers ... An intriguing mystery set in the mythical backdrop of a coastal Canadian town, starring an unstoppable girl driven by curiosity and her adventurous nature."

Booklist

"Meranda is a relatable and likeable heroine who faces her challenges, both physical and emotional, with grit and resilience. Part Scooby Doo and part Anne of Green Gables, this is a story that will keep tweens turning pages late into the night."

This West Coast Mommy

"A well-written novel about Maritime life, family, and mermaid mythology ... Meranda is a fully developed and courageous character who will appeal to young readers."

Canadian Review of Materials

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

Kirkus Reviews

"The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing ... Students who enjoy fantasy titles will like this book."

School Library Connection

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