A Seal. A Circle of Friends. A Special Kind of Magic. 2026 Green Earth Book Award - Honor Book | 2026 Maine Literary Award for Young People's Literature | 2026 Lupine Award - Shortlist Twelve-year-old Ellie moves to her late grandmother's coastal homestead in Whitneyport, Maine and uncovers unexpected truths about her family and the natural world around her. Guided by new friends, a mysterious harbor seal, and her grandmother's legacy, she finds her voice as a young climate activist. Set against the wild beauty of the Maine coast, The Secret of the Catapus is a coming-of-age story that blends ecological urgency with heart, humor, and a touch of magical realism. "Beautifully written... with a vivid sense of place that will connect readers with nature and make the environmental crisis real and personal." -Nicola Davies, author of The Song That Sings Us "An extraordinary story of love: for the natural world, for standing up for what is right, and for carrying forward a grandparent's legacy." -Gregory Brown, author of The Lowering Days For fans of Hoot by Carl Hiaasen and anyone who loves the sea and believes in protecting what matters.