Three Blue Hearts

Gr 5-8–No one ever says “no” to Big Max…until his son Max finally does. Max’s city councilman father is used to getting his way—whether through charm, influence, or simply throwing money at a problem. Max, however, isn’t comfortable with that approach. It isn’t until a summer on Lafitte Island in Texas with his mom that Max begins to see another way: one built on friendship, promises kept, and genuine love. From the moment he rescues an octopus, later named Ursula, Max starts to discover who he is outside his father’s shadow (and wallet). With the help of Ursula and his new friends, Emmitt and Ollie, Max learns that showing up, even when it’s hard, is what truly matters. Max’s summer is filled with the highs of friendship, the sting of loss, and the power of choosing your own path. Readers will root for Max as he forges connections and finds his own way. Animal lovers should keep tissues handy. As one poignant moment reminds us: You won’t “expect to fall in love with her so much. It’s our love that allows us to let her go.”