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Hurricane Mia, a Caribbean Adventure
Mia's entire summer is ruined! First, she learns that her mom is sick. Then, she and her younger brother Jack are whisked away to their grandparents' home on a remote island in the Caribbean. Mia is furious until she meets Neisha, an island girl, who tells her about "the tea that cures everything." Will Mia be able to find the tea? Will it cure her mom? And will it prove to be her plane ticket back home? Join Mia on an incredible adventure, where she sails the high seas, meets wild donkeys, explores uninhabited islands, and searches for a magical tea.
158 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 8, 2010
In Hurricane Mia, a middle reader, Mia’s entire summer is ruined. First she learns that her mom is sick. Then she and her younger brother are whisked away to their grandparents’ home in the Caribbean for the summer. Mia is furious until she meets Neisha, an island girl, who tells her about “the tea that cures everything.” Will Mia find the tea? Will it cure her mom? An incredible adventure follows, taking Mia and friends on the high seas where they meet barracudas, explore uninhabited islands and search for a magical tea. Includes illustrations, study guide and activities.
It also includes an island dialect which helps us to get to know the "local folks" better. The bonding of the island girl, Neisha, and Mia is lovely to watch unfold.
Great summer reader for kids 8-12!
It also includes an island dialect which helps us to get to know the "local folks" better. The bonding of the island girl, Neisha, and Mia is lovely to watch unfold.
Great summer reader for kids 8-12!
May 20, 2018
For any child between the ages of 8 and 12 who loves the sea, this middle reader is a must. A modern-day adventure story of a girl and her kid brother, who are packed off to their Gram and Gramps, who live on a remote island in the Caribbean, is both heartwarming and inspirational.
The multicultural and empathic nature of the text should appeal to anyone who is exposed to a multiplicity of different cultures. How the heroine, who is almost an anti-heroine at the start of the story (many a tween, even though they might find it hard to admit, should be able to relate to her peevishness and selfishness), comes to realize that, by insisting upon having her own way, she endangers the lives of others makes this a fine coming of age novel.
Hurricane Mia: A Caribbean Adventure is filled with believable characters, who are so intriguing that, if you haven’t visited the islands, you long to do so. The interplay between the local inhabitants of the islands and the newcomers, who long for their cell phone connections and ready internet connections, is amusing and true to life. One cannot help but admire the pluckiness of the locals, who make the most of the relatively scant resources which are available to them. Yet even they are not perfectly adapted to life in such a harsh climate – when one thinks of the Caribbean, one tends to think of balmy turquoise waters and blissful days spent lounging under tropical skies, but in Hurricane Mia there is inclement weather, as the title suggests, and sting rays and hammerhead sharks that can harm you.
This is a world in which you soon, as a child, have to learn to accept your responsibilities. That Neisha, the quintessential island girl, is unable to swim comes as a shock both to Mia and her brother, Jack. “‘You can’t swim? Your dad is a fisherman! You live on an island! How can you not know how to swim?’ The words flew out of Mia’s mouth like bullets.” In such an environment, one not only sometimes has to fight the elements, but the conflicts between the characters themselves sometimes seem overwhelming, as, for example, the antagonism between the willful Mia and her Gram, whom she regards as over-restrictive and demanding.
The novel is beautifully illustrated with numerous drawings by Susan Spellman, and includes a glossary, a reference list, a study guide and activities. In short, it is not only a delight to read, but also a springboard for young imaginations. Donna’s love of children and children’s literature radiates throughout this reader, making it an inescapably good buy. Do get it―you won’t be disappointed!
The multicultural and empathic nature of the text should appeal to anyone who is exposed to a multiplicity of different cultures. How the heroine, who is almost an anti-heroine at the start of the story (many a tween, even though they might find it hard to admit, should be able to relate to her peevishness and selfishness), comes to realize that, by insisting upon having her own way, she endangers the lives of others makes this a fine coming of age novel.
Hurricane Mia: A Caribbean Adventure is filled with believable characters, who are so intriguing that, if you haven’t visited the islands, you long to do so. The interplay between the local inhabitants of the islands and the newcomers, who long for their cell phone connections and ready internet connections, is amusing and true to life. One cannot help but admire the pluckiness of the locals, who make the most of the relatively scant resources which are available to them. Yet even they are not perfectly adapted to life in such a harsh climate – when one thinks of the Caribbean, one tends to think of balmy turquoise waters and blissful days spent lounging under tropical skies, but in Hurricane Mia there is inclement weather, as the title suggests, and sting rays and hammerhead sharks that can harm you.
This is a world in which you soon, as a child, have to learn to accept your responsibilities. That Neisha, the quintessential island girl, is unable to swim comes as a shock both to Mia and her brother, Jack. “‘You can’t swim? Your dad is a fisherman! You live on an island! How can you not know how to swim?’ The words flew out of Mia’s mouth like bullets.” In such an environment, one not only sometimes has to fight the elements, but the conflicts between the characters themselves sometimes seem overwhelming, as, for example, the antagonism between the willful Mia and her Gram, whom she regards as over-restrictive and demanding.
The novel is beautifully illustrated with numerous drawings by Susan Spellman, and includes a glossary, a reference list, a study guide and activities. In short, it is not only a delight to read, but also a springboard for young imaginations. Donna’s love of children and children’s literature radiates throughout this reader, making it an inescapably good buy. Do get it―you won’t be disappointed!
December 17, 2010
For any child between the age of 8 and 12 who loves the sea, this middle reader is a must. A modern-day adventure story of a girl and her kid brother, who are packed off to their Gram and Gramps, who live on a remote island in the Caribbean, is both heartwarming and inspirational.
The multicultural and empathic nature of the text should appeal to anyone who is exposed to a multiplicity of different cultures. How the heroine, who is almost an anti-heroine at the start of the story (many a tween, even though they might find it hard to admit, should be able to relate to her peevishness and selfishness), comes to realize that, by insisting upon having her own way, she endangers the lives of others makes this a fine coming of age novel.
Hurricane Mia is filled with believable characters, who are so intriguing that, if you haven’t visited the islands, you long to do so. The interplay between the local inhabitants of the islands and the newcomers, who long for their cell phone connections and ready internet connections, is amusing and true to life. One cannot help but admire the pluckiness of the locals, who make the most of the relatively scant resources which are available to them. Yet even they are not perfectly adapted to life in such a harsh climate – when one thinks of the Caribbean, one tends to think of balmy turquoise waters and blissful days spent lounging under tropical skies, but in Hurricane Mia there is inclement weather, as the title suggests, and sting rays and hammerhead sharks that can harm you.
This is a world in which you soon, as a child, have to learn to accept your responsibilities. That Neisha, the quintessential island girl, is unable to swim comes as a shock both to Mia and her brother, Jack. “‘You can’t swim? Your dad is a fisherman! You live on an island! How can you not know how to swim?’ The words flew out of Mia’s mouth like bullets.” In such an environment, one not only sometimes has to fight the elements, but the conflicts between the characters themselves sometimes seem overwhelming, as, for example, the antagonism between the willful Mia and her Gram, whom she regards as over-restrictive and demanding.
The novel is beautifully illustrated with numerous drawings by Susan Spellman, and includes a glossary, a reference list, a study guide and activities. In short, it is not only a delight to read, but also a springboard for young imaginations. Donna’s love of children and children’s literature radiates throughout this reader, making it an inescapably good buy. Do get it – you won’t be disappointed! [Reviewer for BookPleasures.com]
The multicultural and empathic nature of the text should appeal to anyone who is exposed to a multiplicity of different cultures. How the heroine, who is almost an anti-heroine at the start of the story (many a tween, even though they might find it hard to admit, should be able to relate to her peevishness and selfishness), comes to realize that, by insisting upon having her own way, she endangers the lives of others makes this a fine coming of age novel.
Hurricane Mia is filled with believable characters, who are so intriguing that, if you haven’t visited the islands, you long to do so. The interplay between the local inhabitants of the islands and the newcomers, who long for their cell phone connections and ready internet connections, is amusing and true to life. One cannot help but admire the pluckiness of the locals, who make the most of the relatively scant resources which are available to them. Yet even they are not perfectly adapted to life in such a harsh climate – when one thinks of the Caribbean, one tends to think of balmy turquoise waters and blissful days spent lounging under tropical skies, but in Hurricane Mia there is inclement weather, as the title suggests, and sting rays and hammerhead sharks that can harm you.
This is a world in which you soon, as a child, have to learn to accept your responsibilities. That Neisha, the quintessential island girl, is unable to swim comes as a shock both to Mia and her brother, Jack. “‘You can’t swim? Your dad is a fisherman! You live on an island! How can you not know how to swim?’ The words flew out of Mia’s mouth like bullets.” In such an environment, one not only sometimes has to fight the elements, but the conflicts between the characters themselves sometimes seem overwhelming, as, for example, the antagonism between the willful Mia and her Gram, whom she regards as over-restrictive and demanding.
The novel is beautifully illustrated with numerous drawings by Susan Spellman, and includes a glossary, a reference list, a study guide and activities. In short, it is not only a delight to read, but also a springboard for young imaginations. Donna’s love of children and children’s literature radiates throughout this reader, making it an inescapably good buy. Do get it – you won’t be disappointed! [Reviewer for BookPleasures.com]
September 11, 2011
A child's adventure can be found anywhere. A backyard can be host to pirate adventures, birthday parties and summer fun with a water hose and sprinkler. But for Mia the adventure is real. A summer in the Caribbean becomes a life and death adventure that inspires courage.
Mia has plans for the summer, like most kids do. She and her best friend Sam have planned a horse back riding adventure in Maine. Together they would learn about taking care of horses and how to ride them. It was going to be great. But her parents had another idea and before she knew it she and her brother Jack were on a plane that was landing in the Caribbean. Their adventure would start in Bambarra.
With a mother that's ill and a father who travels often, Mia and Jack are stuck with Gram and Gramps and no close neighbors, grocery stores, friends or playgrounds. As Mia learns her way around she meets another young girl named Neisha. A friendship is formed. As Mia and Niesha get to know each other Neisha shares some very interesting information. Mia learns of a tea that will cure her mothers illness. The problem that lies ahead is she has no money and it's on another island.
���Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a rouge wave hit them from behind, knocking them flat as pancakes. All three were submerged, the water washing over them and the undertow sucking them backwards from the shore. Neisha let go and started flailing. In her frenzy, she hit Jack in the head and he let go of Mia's wrist. The chain was broken. Mia was the first to bob up, followed by Jack. ���Shoot! I lost my glasses!��� Jack called to Mia before diving back under the water.���
Mia becomes desperate. You see, she hasn't exactly gotten along with her Grams and her little brother is a brat. Her stress levels are high but she needs to save her mother. Mia, Niesha and even Jack plan a way to get the tea. But little did they know, it wouldn't be as easy as they thought. They didn't know of the bad weather that was going to come their way. They didn't know that they would lose the boat they stole from Gramps or that they would be stranded on Iguana Cay. You will have to read the story to find out what happens.
Note to Parents & Teachers:
Hurricane Mia is a great way to start dialogue with children in regards to the differences of living on an island versus living in the city. Cultures and peoples are so different. Animal and plant life is also a very interesting topic to cover. But most importantly this story inspires family, friendship and trust.
Mia has plans for the summer, like most kids do. She and her best friend Sam have planned a horse back riding adventure in Maine. Together they would learn about taking care of horses and how to ride them. It was going to be great. But her parents had another idea and before she knew it she and her brother Jack were on a plane that was landing in the Caribbean. Their adventure would start in Bambarra.
With a mother that's ill and a father who travels often, Mia and Jack are stuck with Gram and Gramps and no close neighbors, grocery stores, friends or playgrounds. As Mia learns her way around she meets another young girl named Neisha. A friendship is formed. As Mia and Niesha get to know each other Neisha shares some very interesting information. Mia learns of a tea that will cure her mothers illness. The problem that lies ahead is she has no money and it's on another island.
���Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a rouge wave hit them from behind, knocking them flat as pancakes. All three were submerged, the water washing over them and the undertow sucking them backwards from the shore. Neisha let go and started flailing. In her frenzy, she hit Jack in the head and he let go of Mia's wrist. The chain was broken. Mia was the first to bob up, followed by Jack. ���Shoot! I lost my glasses!��� Jack called to Mia before diving back under the water.���
Mia becomes desperate. You see, she hasn't exactly gotten along with her Grams and her little brother is a brat. Her stress levels are high but she needs to save her mother. Mia, Niesha and even Jack plan a way to get the tea. But little did they know, it wouldn't be as easy as they thought. They didn't know of the bad weather that was going to come their way. They didn't know that they would lose the boat they stole from Gramps or that they would be stranded on Iguana Cay. You will have to read the story to find out what happens.
Note to Parents & Teachers:
Hurricane Mia is a great way to start dialogue with children in regards to the differences of living on an island versus living in the city. Cultures and peoples are so different. Animal and plant life is also a very interesting topic to cover. But most importantly this story inspires family, friendship and trust.
September 30, 2010
Quickie: Cute story, perfect for the age range it's aimed at.
Full: Mia has big plans for her summer- a trip to Maine with her bestie Sam, going camping, horseback riding, wakeboarding- but all her hopes and plans are shattered when her parents tell her she is being flown down to stay with her grandparents. Her little brother Jack is going too... perfect. Mia is bitter about the dramatic change in plans, and it's made worse by her grandmother's rules and rigid personality. Mia becomes envious of Jack when Gramps continuously chooses him to do things with, and not Mia.
Her outlook brightens a bit when she meets a girl her age on the island, Neisha, and they become fast friends. Together they learn of a lady on a neighboring island, Aunt Cecilia, who is considered a "wise woman" and practices bush medicine. To Mia, this is wonderful news, because her mother has leukemia and she's very, very sick. Aunt Cecilia is rumored to make a tea that can cure everything. Mia has got to get some to her mother so she can get better and everything can go back to normal.
The problem with that idea though, is that Mia has no way to get to the island Aunt Cecilia lives on. She and Neisha hatch a few plans, but none of them seem viable- until Mia lets Jack in on her plan. Suddenly they have the means to get to the island... even though it involves lying, "borrowing", and putting all of them in possible danger. That's not going to stop Mia though!
Hurricane Mia was a charming tale of love and friendship- perfect for a mid-grade reader. Mia sort of annoyed me with her attitude sometimes, but I'm an adult and she's a kid who feels like her life is ruined, so I think we both had normal reactions. ;-) There were a few hilarious scenes, my favorite possibly being when the donkeys got into the courtyard. Of course Mia felt horrible, since it was her fault, but Jack running around trying to lasso the donkeys was just too funny.
My only complaint is that I wanted to know if the tea ended up helping her mother or not. But that's just my obnoxious mind. I always want to know everything!
4 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed for http://literatisliterarylibrary.blogs...
Full: Mia has big plans for her summer- a trip to Maine with her bestie Sam, going camping, horseback riding, wakeboarding- but all her hopes and plans are shattered when her parents tell her she is being flown down to stay with her grandparents. Her little brother Jack is going too... perfect. Mia is bitter about the dramatic change in plans, and it's made worse by her grandmother's rules and rigid personality. Mia becomes envious of Jack when Gramps continuously chooses him to do things with, and not Mia.
Her outlook brightens a bit when she meets a girl her age on the island, Neisha, and they become fast friends. Together they learn of a lady on a neighboring island, Aunt Cecilia, who is considered a "wise woman" and practices bush medicine. To Mia, this is wonderful news, because her mother has leukemia and she's very, very sick. Aunt Cecilia is rumored to make a tea that can cure everything. Mia has got to get some to her mother so she can get better and everything can go back to normal.
The problem with that idea though, is that Mia has no way to get to the island Aunt Cecilia lives on. She and Neisha hatch a few plans, but none of them seem viable- until Mia lets Jack in on her plan. Suddenly they have the means to get to the island... even though it involves lying, "borrowing", and putting all of them in possible danger. That's not going to stop Mia though!
Hurricane Mia was a charming tale of love and friendship- perfect for a mid-grade reader. Mia sort of annoyed me with her attitude sometimes, but I'm an adult and she's a kid who feels like her life is ruined, so I think we both had normal reactions. ;-) There were a few hilarious scenes, my favorite possibly being when the donkeys got into the courtyard. Of course Mia felt horrible, since it was her fault, but Jack running around trying to lasso the donkeys was just too funny.
My only complaint is that I wanted to know if the tea ended up helping her mother or not. But that's just my obnoxious mind. I always want to know everything!
4 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed for http://literatisliterarylibrary.blogs...
January 12, 2014
This middle-grade book is a fun read. The simple plot is easy to follow for students who may be struggling readers, yet it also has a richness of description about it that makes reading interesting at the same time. Students will appreciate Mia's approach to everything - the typical tween attitude, and her adventures in the Caribbean may cause them to want to experience and/or learn more about Caribbean culture.
The text of the book has great potential for use by teachers. The descriptions are perfect to adapt as a mentor texts for just about anything, especially the concept of showing things happening in writing instead of telling about them. Also, the description provides a way to show students how to add details to their own writing.
The messages in the book also could provide some meaningful discussion in the classroom or at home. The idea of accepting everyone is ingrained throughout, with Mia's younger brother Jack being able to contribute much to their adventures despite the fact he is a stereotypical "nerd" who is teased at school. Mia and Jack also learn more about Caribbean culture that is so different from their own as they befriend Neisha. Another discussion point is that of dealing with hard times. Mia's mother has leukemia, and Mia is truly afraid for her. Neisha's family situation is less than perfect, but she learns to adapt to it.
There is also a section at the back of the book that can help readers to learn more about Caribbean culture and expand their knowledge through having fun.
The text of the book has great potential for use by teachers. The descriptions are perfect to adapt as a mentor texts for just about anything, especially the concept of showing things happening in writing instead of telling about them. Also, the description provides a way to show students how to add details to their own writing.
The messages in the book also could provide some meaningful discussion in the classroom or at home. The idea of accepting everyone is ingrained throughout, with Mia's younger brother Jack being able to contribute much to their adventures despite the fact he is a stereotypical "nerd" who is teased at school. Mia and Jack also learn more about Caribbean culture that is so different from their own as they befriend Neisha. Another discussion point is that of dealing with hard times. Mia's mother has leukemia, and Mia is truly afraid for her. Neisha's family situation is less than perfect, but she learns to adapt to it.
There is also a section at the back of the book that can help readers to learn more about Caribbean culture and expand their knowledge through having fun.
October 5, 2010
The last thing Mia wants to do is spend the summer with her grandparents in their home on the Caribbean island of Bambarra. She was supposed to be at a camp with her best friend, but instead she’s stuck with her little brother, no cell phone, no TV and a grandma who is strict. Mia is also worried about being away from her mom, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
When Mia discovers that a traditional healer may have a special tea to help her mom get better, she’ll break any rule to get some and take it home long before summer ends.
Hurricane Mia written by Donna Marie Seim and illustrated by Susan Spellman shows what can happen when adults and children don’t communicate about important events that affect everyone. Mia’s grandparents and her mother mean well, but they don’t talk to Mia about why they make the rules they set down so she thinks they are unfair and is inclined to break them when she can. Mia deems all the rules unreasonable and has a hard time seeing beyond getting what she wants. But then she learns that breaking the rules can have very real consequences beyond getting punished.
I’m not sure how much Mia learned from her mistakes, and I wasn’t convinced that Mia, her brother, and their friend would be so competent when they ran into trouble on the water, but overall I think Hurricane Mia brings up good issues to discuss about friendship, making judgments about people, and communicating with family members.
When Mia discovers that a traditional healer may have a special tea to help her mom get better, she’ll break any rule to get some and take it home long before summer ends.
Hurricane Mia written by Donna Marie Seim and illustrated by Susan Spellman shows what can happen when adults and children don’t communicate about important events that affect everyone. Mia’s grandparents and her mother mean well, but they don’t talk to Mia about why they make the rules they set down so she thinks they are unfair and is inclined to break them when she can. Mia deems all the rules unreasonable and has a hard time seeing beyond getting what she wants. But then she learns that breaking the rules can have very real consequences beyond getting punished.
I’m not sure how much Mia learned from her mistakes, and I wasn’t convinced that Mia, her brother, and their friend would be so competent when they ran into trouble on the water, but overall I think Hurricane Mia brings up good issues to discuss about friendship, making judgments about people, and communicating with family members.
September 3, 2010
A truly lovely and charming book! The adventure of Hurricane Mia is a children’s book but it kept this big kid’s interest as well. I found the book to be told in a very believable way and that it did not talk down to the young reader but talked to the reader. It had the right mix of story and background to make this Caribbean tale fun and exciting while keeping the emotions center stage. I look forward to more of Ms. Seim’s books!
August 21, 2010
Very cute middle grade read. Great for ages 8+ who are just starting to read real chapter books.
July 22, 2012
Great middle grade read for boys and girls alike!
April 29, 2015
Pretty typical kids adventure story: kid does something incredibly stupid that becomes an adventure, but everything works out in the end.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews