Review by Booklist Review
Charlotte's grandmother has spent most of her life searching Dorothy Lake for Dottie, its reputed lake monster. The townsfolk think she's crazy. Charlotte wishes she could prove Dottie is real so everyone will stop making fun of her grandma. On her birthday, she gets her wish: she captures real-time footage of the lake monster on her drone camera. On a whim, she sends it to the local news network, and soon it has caught the attention of CryptidLand, a television show dedicated to tracking cryptozoological creatures. But it doesn't take long until Charlotte realizes that there is a downside to getting your wish. This latest high/low tale from Orca Currents--an imprint dedicated to creating compelling stories for middle-schoolers reading below level--spins another quick-paced cryptozoological mini-adventure. In addition to being a fun story with a surprising and satisfying outcome, it tackles valuable interpersonal struggles like truth-telling, self-sacrifice, endangered animals, teasing and bullying, and intergenerational family communication, all in natural and surprisingly subtle ways.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--Fourteen-year-old Charlotte is the granddaughter of Dottie Donna, who has dedicated her life to proving the existence of the mysterious water monster (Dottie) rumored to occupy Lake Dorothy. Charlotte's grandmother is the laughingstock of the town for her eccentric mission; then Charlotte uses her new drone to record a potential Dottie sighting! She posts it to social media in an attempt to show people the truth, and it changes everything. But Charlotte realizes being right isn't as important as protecting the fascinating creature she loves. Readers will relate to Charlotte's dogged enthusiasm to redeem her beloved grandmother's reputation, as well as the allure and volatility of internet fame. Part of the "Orca Currents" series, Anderson-Dargatz's novel tackles faith, family dynamics, and staying true to yourself in hi-lo format. Features include cream-colored paper, dyslexia-friendly font, and larger trim size. VERDICT A realistic fiction novel with a fun cryptid twist. A recommended addition to hi-lo collections.--Ashleigh Williams
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