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Orca Currents
47 Reviews
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
A summer job cleaning cabins at her godfather's fishing resort starts out well for Bailey until workplace rivalry turns her into the target of bunkmate April's wrath. Pranks are one thing, but when it appears that April is up to something more sinister, Bailey must face the situation as the adult she aspires to be. Overt messages are presented engagingly for reluctant teen readers.
Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
In this follow-up to Stolen, Sam and Annabel head to Canada to visit Sam's mom and a dinosaur excavation site, where the teens cross paths with fossil thieves. At times, the book's references feel out of touch with its intended audience (reluctant readers), but a subplot--Sam gets jealous when Annabel befriends a young paleontologist--adds a bit of character depth.
Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
Soon after fourteen-year-old Trevor starts his first job at a local supermarket, several food-tampering instances occur. Trevor and his friends have a few suspects in mind as they try to uncover the vandal before they become suspects themselves. This quick read has some contrived plot points, but the mystery will keep readers guessing until the surprise ending.
Reviewer: Lana Barnes
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Fifteen-year-olds Eric and Chris are skilled geocachers--using coordinates and a GPS, they search for hidden "treasure" in their town. When a hunt turns mysterious and typical prizes are replaced with money, the two find added incentive to decipher complex codes. Character interiority is nonexistent, but budding Dan Brown fans will enjoy the ride of this fast-paced, plot-driven narrative.
Reviewer: Allison Cole
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
As part of her Leadership studies class, Simone is assigned to befriend kindergartner Lily. The two quickly bond, and when Lily is abducted by her own mother, Simone is consumed with fear, guilt, and anxiety. The subject of kidnapping and its repercussions are superficially explored in this hi-lo novel.
Reviewer: Sophie Williamson
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
New to Australia, Sam is befriended by Annabel, an employee at the local museum. The two embark on a search for a legendary shipwreck but are soon distracted by the theft of the Loch Ard peacock, the museum's prized artifact. The straightforward story is entertaining but lacks the suspenseful twists of most mysteries.
Reviewer: Andrea Curtis
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Angus tells Ella, his crush, that he is studying to be a crime-solving mentalist. So, when someone steals Ella's sketchbook, she comes to him for help; he buys some spy gear and begins observing their classmates. The story starts off smack in the middle of the action, but fast-paced plotting and good amounts of tension and comedy will retain interest.
Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Fifteen-year-old Dan takes a job that requires him to wear a humiliating hot dog costume, handing out samples at a food fair. The slapstick plot that unfolds features warring food mascots, a security officer looking for pickpockets, and two pretty girls who use Dan as a foil for their thievery. Light if predictable fare aimed at reluctant teen readers.
Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee
(3)
YA
Orca Currents series.
After their father's death, their mom becomes depressed, and twelve-year-old Max finds himself taking care of his older brother Duncan, who has some unspecified special needs. Reluctant readers will be drawn to the sports story (Max plays hockey) and will easily engage with the family's difficulties and the believable bullying conflict in this well-written novel.
Reviewer: Nancy Hull
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
Talented high-wire walker Zack is enjoying his summer working at a youth circus despite an antagonistic roommate and a yappy dog he's stuck caring for. When an audience member threatens to shut down the circus after her necklace is stolen, Zack investigates. The easy-to-read story has an entertaining premise, but the supporting characters are underdeveloped and the mystery feels low-stakes.
Reviewer: Randy Ribay
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Though forbidden to do so, fourteen-year-old Maya sneaks out every day in her kayak to the nearby kelp beds to observe a family of sea otters. But Maya soon discovers that the otters--and her family--are in danger from poachers. It's a predictable read, but fast-paced seafaring action and tense plotting will satisfy the hi-lo set.
Reviewer: Betsy Thomas
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Franklin's family is falling apart: his mother is seeing her hairdresser, and his dad, the mayor, has to deal with an arsonist on the loose. Can Franklin, with a history of fire-starting himself, find the real culprit before he gets blamed for the fires? The direct, unadorned writing style lacks a certain refinement but will appeal to reluctant readers.
Reviewer: David Elzey
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Aspiring DJ Rob is excited when his older brother, Adam, manages to secure him a gig at the local all-ages club. But during his set, a girl overdoses on drugs Adam gave her, and Rob must decide if he should help protect his brother. Though the story lacks depth, the high-interest narrative is suspenseful and fast-paced.
Reviewer: Randy Ribay
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Owen, desperate to tip off his crush that the object of her affection (Owen's older brother) is a cad, starts up a relationship-advice blog called the Oracle. But it soon takes on a life of its own and may complicate more than just Owen's love life. Readers will appreciate the contemporary issues in this easy-to-read but predictable romance.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
In this sequel to Slick, Liza and her friends from "GRRR!" (Girls for Renewable Resources, Really!) investigate both the death of a homeless man (who was a friend to Liza's family), and a fungus overrunning the neighborhood apple trees. Though the book tends to get preachy, Liza's activism may attract reluctant readers interested in social justice.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Geocaching becomes a metaphor for finding one's way in this slight but entertaining novel. Zack and his single mom move too often for him to make friends. When he takes up geocaching, Zack--who has sound-color synesthesia--finds more than just a box of "swag." The themes and morals are a little too obvious, but Zack's story is engaging nonetheless.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Fifteen-year-old Maddie hates her flighty single mother's latest idea for a mother-daughter summer "adventure"--a week working at an organic farm--especially since it interferes with an art contest that could take Maddie to New York City. Once on the farm, Maddie is surprised to make new friends and gain inspiration. A quick, predictable read filled with clichés but nevertheless entertaining.
Reviewer: Susan Halperin
(4)
4-6
Orca Currents series.
As lighthouse keepers, Simon's family members are the sole inhabitants of an island. When Simon's parents leave for the day, he and his sister, Ellen, discover an unexpected visitor; what's worse, a storm is blowing in. There's little room for character development, but the story's quick pace and plot-centered narrative may attract reluctant-reader mystery buffs.
Reviewer: Pearl Higgins
(3)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Cameron's been the man of the house since his father was killed in a car accident. Now the driver is appearing everywhere--possibly stalking the family--and Cam has to decide the best way to handle the situation. Peterson keeps readers engaged from page one of this suspenseful and touching (yet admirably unsentimental) hi-lo book.
Reviewer: Jenn Matters
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Budding musician Ace starts a band with his friends only to realize that there's more to it than choosing the perfect name. With a battle of the bands contest coming up, Ace discovers his bandmates may not have as much motivation as he does. The quick and straightforward story, while entirely superficial, benefits from Staunton's laid-back narrative style.
Reviewer: Pearl Higgins
47 reviews
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