THREE BLUE HEARTS

THREE BLUE HEARTS by Lynne Kelly

Max can't seem to stop disappointing his dad. What makes the problem worse is his dad is a well-known politician in the city he lives in. Everything always has to be about appearances, and Max just doesn't live up to the expectations. When Mom suggests a summer away at the beach where she has a work project, Max is all for it. New town, new people, no expectations.

First day there, Max walks down to the beach. After wandering around a bit, he comes upon an injured octopus. With the help of a new friend, they get the octopus to a vet's office that has experience with ocean animal rescue. In one instance, a whole new opportunity for the summer opens up. New friends, helping to care for Ursula (the octopus), and an unforgettable experience that is guaranteed to change him for life.

HEADS UP- One small caution. Max becomes good friends with the vet's family especially the daughter, Ollie. At one point, they were caring for an injured ape named Ramona. Ollie became very attached to Ramona almost considering her to be the younger sibling she never had. When Ramona is moved to a recovery facility, Ollie is devastated.