A Day at the Beach

Collaborators Schmidt (Jupiter Rising) and Koertge (Maya’s Story) team up with illustrator Ma Van As (the Kudo Kids series) to explore a single day at Rockcastle Beach, N.J., through the perspectives of more two dozen kids in this winsome work. Beginning at dawn as siblings Jackie and Simon race across the beach before it formally opens to the public, chronological chapters—each containing a standalone narrative—progress throughout the day, occasionally intersecting to build one cohesive tale. Stories follow Tobias Jackson, whose eagerness to show off his newly trim physique is derailed upon losing his phone; Hassani Ahmadi, who, on his weekly beach walk with his father, navigates a confrontation that brings up memories of immigrating from Iran; and Leslie Perl Brown, who, resentful of the pressures placed upon her by her reverend parents, converts to a new perspective. Weighty topics surrounding racism, grief over a pet’s death, and contending with cancer’s effects on a parent are addressed with tender nuance. Animated full-page illustrations depict the day’s progression and show the racial diversity of the cast in immersive, realistic scenes. Ages 8–12. (Apr.)