The Spy Who Came in from the Sea (Florida Historical Fiction for Youth) [Hardcover]

Peggy Nolan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Florida Historical Fiction for Youth

Fourteen-year-old Frank Hollahan moves to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1943, at the height of World War II. A surprising new life awaits him there. When Frank informs everyone at his new school that he saw an enemy spy land on the local beach, no one believes him, but Frank sets out to prove the spy's existence. The spy who came in from the sea ends up teaching Frank and the people of Jacksonville valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the power of the truth.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-Frank Hollahan, 14, and his mother have moved to Florida in order to join up with his father, a navy seaman fighting against the Germans. When his dad fails to meet them at the train station, Frank and his mother create a new life for themselves until the family can be reunited. The boy's tendency to exaggerate builds him a reputation in school as a teller of tall tales, so it's no surprise when his friends, mother, and teacher refuse to believe him when he informs them that he has spotted a German submarine out in the ocean, and what appears to be a spy on the beach. With the aid of a classmate who believes him and Wanda, a mysterious beach recluse, Frank sets out to prove the spy's existence and warn his neighbors of impending danger. He wins Wanda's trust and confidence and helps her overcome her stuttering and shyness, allowing her the opportunity to help him capture the spy and complete her education. This adventure story captures the essence of life during World War II. Secondary characters are believable and likable. Friendship and strong family ties are an integral part of Frank's new life. Using factual information about German spies landing along the Florida coast, Nolan has created a fast-paced adventure that is a real page-turner.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A very-interesting, fact-based story told in realistic, believable and captivating fashion. The reader is led through a suspenseful story of a young boy observing a stranger arriving from an offshore ship. Of course, no one believes the new kid in town who has been a braggart, but gradually, a couple of friends support his suspicions. Kids should thoroughly enjoy this great book. -- Children's Book Review Service

Peggy Nolan's young adult novel The Spy Who Came in from the Sea sizzles with conspiracy, secret codes and suspense. In the style reminiscent of the Nancy Drew mysteries, a boy and his classmate same the day. Based on a true story of a German U-boat off Florida's coast, the action-packed novel is sure to start some readers looking for this author's second. Theodora Aggeles -- The St. Petersburg Times, December 26, 1999

This novel has it all: lots of action and intrigue, and best of all, a strong and sympathetic main character who is heroic and overcomes-without having to be rescued by the stodgy adults. Add a hint of romance and what more could a young reader want? -- Patricia Hermes, author of over thirty books for children and young adults, including Mama, Let's Dance and Calling Me Home

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 129 pages
• Publisher: Pineapple Pr; 1st edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561641863
• ISBN-13: 978-1561641864
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #706,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent mystery adventure story set in FL during WWII, October 25, 1999

By 

Mary K. Ahern (Stuart, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spy Who Came in from the Sea (Florida Historical Fiction for Youth) (Hardcover)

This is a great story about an eigth grader named Frank Hollahan who stumbles upon what he believes to be a spy one day at the beach. Unfortunately, he's got a reputation for telling "whoppers" all the time. Nobody thinks he's really telling the truth, so he decides to prove it himself. The story is set during World War Two, and is based on real happenings about German spies landing on U.S. shores near Jacksonville, Florida. The book does an excellent job incorporating history with fiction. But don't get the wrong impression; readers will find themselves carried along by the mystery and action itself. The author is definitely able to capture the unique feel of the World War Two era. Readers are sure to find themselves relating to events in the story that are as true today as they were then, such as Frank's struggle to make friends in a new place, dealing with a single-parent type of situation, as his father is away fighting the war, and striving to be taken seriously by adults and peers alike.

If you're looking for a good mystery adventure, this is a sure pick indeed.

As a teacher, I would recomend this as a good selection for an entire class to read together, and a must-have addition to the school library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spy Who Came in From the Sea, March 30, 2009

By 

Alicia C. Collins (Chesterfield, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spy Who Came in from the Sea (Florida Historical Fiction for Youth) (Hardcover)

Great book! My ten year old son loved it and asked if I would buy him more books like it. He read it in two days...he could hardly put it down. Content is clean...no undesirable behavior or language.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spy Who Came in from the Sea, September 4, 2007

By 

CJ (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spy Who Came in from the Sea (Florida Historical Fiction for Youth) (Hardcover)

This book was on my child's summer reading list. I tried numerous times to get it at the local bookstore. Each time I was told it was not available, they were having difficulty getting it in. Friends told me that their searches revealed that it was out of print. I checked on Amazon.com, and had the book in 2 days.