Shelter From the Storm
Raymond Payne
(Reviewer - Rebecca Brown)
2004 Harbourside Press
ISBN: 0974055212
For ages 11+

Two boys, with separate plans for their futures, are at the mercy of a powerful New England storm.

While eleven year-old Danny Anderson plans to make right a wrong that is threatening to ruin his chances of being adopted, fifteen year-old Juan “Johnny” Lopez, in a juvenile detention center on a nearby island, is planning on escaping with the help of his best friend who is a member of the Bay Street Gang.

As Shelter From the Storm opens, Danny is helping his soon-to-be Grandfather set up his lobster fishing boat for a day out at sea. He's a veteran of the foster care system until a teacher notices him & offers to adopt him into his family. The wait while the adoption process grinds its way through the paperwork has lasted the whole summer. Danny will do just about anything to make sure nothing gets in the way of him finally becoming part of a family.

“Johnny” Lopez, on the other hand, has every intention on changing his life. He wants out of the Deer Island detention center, & to that end will do just about anything to make his escape.

Meanwhile, Mother Nature is about to have her say in the scheme of things. She's brewing up one of her better Nor'easters & in this wild & raging storm, Danny & Johnny are going to meet.

Shelter From The Storm is a fine boys' adventure complete with quests for freedom, family & happiness; testing of courage, purpose & integrity, as well as some interesting New England history.

While in need of some editing, Shelter From The Storm is sure to become a perennial boys-at-sea (metaphorically & literally) classic.
(09/12/04)

Rebecca