The Spy Who Came in from the Sea

By Peggy Nolan

Book Overview

Fourteen-year old Frank Hollahan moves to Florida in 1943, at the height of World War II, to join his father, a navy seaman. When Frank and his mother arrive at the busy naval port of Jacksonville, a surprising new life awaits them. In this new place, Frank's life changes in ways he never imagined. In his new school, his tendency toward exaggeration quickly builds him a reputation as a teller of tales. He wanders to the beach one night and sees what seems to be a man coming ashore from a submarine. When he informs his family, friends, and teachers that he saw a spy from a German U-boat land on the local beach, no one believes him. Is the spy real, or is he only a part of Frank's imagination and exaggeration? Frank is certain the spy has plans for sabotage. With the aid of Rosemarie Twekenberry, who has eyes only for Frank, and a mysterious beach recluse known as Weird Wanda, Frank sets out to prove the spy's existence. With time running out, Frank must figure out a way to stop him. Each rumor and discovery whether a buried chest, a secret code, or a mysterious note presents new problems. The truth finally comes to light at the big bond rally in the shipyard as Frank's class presents a rousing patriotic program, led by Mr. Jolly, an ex-clown turned teacher. Thrown into the mix are a brash, redheaded student named Howard; Gladys, the organizer; and other zany characters who all join in the tangled web of this wartime mystery, based on an actual occurrence. The spy who came in from the sea ends up teaching Frank and the people of Jacksonville valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the power of the truth. Previous in series Next in series See all of the books in this series

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561642452
• ISBN13: 9781561642458
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Pineapple Press
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 9

Customer Reviews

The Spy Who Came in From the Sea

Great book! My ten year old son loved it and asked if I would buy him more books like it. He read it in two days...he could hardly put it down. Content is clean...no undesirable behavior or language.

A one of a kind book

This book is as exciting as a HARRY POTTER book! I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. It is a great book for people who want to sit back, relax, and enjoy an excellent story. I thought the idea about having it in World War II and with spies was interesting. The characters are really fun and you would experience a really great adventure if you read this.

An excellent mystery adventure story set in FL during WWII

This is a great story about an eigth grader named Frank Hollahan who stumbles upon what he believes to be a spy one day at the beach. Unfortunately, he's got a reputation for telling "whoppers" all the time. Nobody thinks he's really telling the truth, so he decides to prove it himself. The story is set during World War Two, and is based on real happenings about German spies landing on U.S. shores near Jacksonville, Florida. The book does an excellent job incorporating history with fiction. But don't get the wrong impression; readers will find themselves carried along by the mystery and action itself. The author is definitely able to capture the unique feel of the World War Two era. Readers are sure to find themselves relating to events in the story that are as true today as they were then, such as Frank's struggle to make friends in a new place, dealing with a single-parent type of situation, as his father is away fighting the war, and striving to be taken seriously by adults and peers alike.If you're looking for a good mystery adventure, this is a sure pick indeed.As a teacher, I would recomend this as a good selection for an entire class to read together, and a must-have addition to the school library.