A heartfelt middle grade eco-adventure story full of friendship and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Dan Gemeinhart and Gary D. Schmidt.
Jake Rizzi is about to spend the summer at his great-aunt's cabin in the mossy, sodden Oregon backwoods. His parents seem to need a break from him and his ADHD. He tries not to take it personally, but isn't sure about his aunt's off-the-grid lifestyle and strange stories about a turtle with a ruby-colored shell.
Soon, Jake learns that the turtle is more than a myth. And thanks to a viral article online, strangers from all over the world have arrived to search for it—including a sinister animal poacher and towering twin zoologists from Sweden. Jake is sure that finding the turtle will change how people see him and his "attention issues"—but he'll need help. Setting off with his new friend Mia, Jake must decide what matters more—personal glory? Or protecting the wonders of nature?