DON'T CALL ME A HURRICANE by Ellen Hagan

 

Living on a coastal island has many advantages. Eliza loves the carefree days filled with swimming and surfing. As she bikes around the island with her friends, she sees one of the threats to their peaceful lifestyle. Rich folks from the mainland are building mansions that threaten not only the peace but also the marshlands around the island.

Eliza also knows the natural threat to her island all too well. Having survived a hurricane that almost killed her younger brother and destroyed her home and her mother's business, reveals the dangers of climate change in addition to the growing development. She and her friends are in the midst of planning a protest involving a new construction demolition project due to start soon.

In the middle of enjoying the summer and planning the project, Eliza meets Milo. His family is spending the summer in one of the fancy hotels while their new mansion on the island is being completed. There is an immediate connection between the two; enough that her friends notice the budding friendship. Unfortunately, both Eliza and Milo have secrets that could destroy their relationship.

Author Ellen Hagan's novel in verse takes on young love, threats of overdevelopment, and climate change. Can one girl's activism make a difference? Can her friendships survive her desire to protect her home?