Grouper Moon

Grouper Moon by Cynthia Shaw. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780967059525.

In a timeless dual coming-of-age story, the multi-layered plot follows Cooper, an affable Nassau Grouper; and Renny, a bright, independent 13-year old island boy whose life is his reef in Coconut Cove. Cooper, who has been content with his life on the reef as a solitary grouper, is taken by surprise one day when he realizes that for the first time in his seven years of life, he is lonely. His comfortable life is turned upside down as he is swept away by his bones on a mysterious mission of great importance to his kind. Rennys own comfortable world is turned upside down when the property above Coconut Cove is sold to a Yankee who plans to build a dive resort. For the first time ever, Renny faces the prospect of sharing his reef with strangers from other countries. Not keen on the idea, he resents the intrusion and fears damage to his reef by tourists. While spearfishing on Christmas afternoon, Renny is taken on an adventure by his new fins. He encounters the grouper and follows it into a dark, secret place, where their two worlds become magically linked. As islanders prepare for Grouper Moon, the annual Nassau Grouper spawning aggregation, the arrival of a biologist draws Renny even further into the world of groupers. When he learns that Coopers first journey into the unknown may be his last, Renny wants to help. But how? And is it already too late? A delightful and unforgettable story, Grouper Moon is about friendship and trust, second chances, and having the courage to reach out and make a difference in a big world. Enjoyable entertainment and learning for ecologically-minded readers of all ages, 10 & up. (RL-5.3).