Becky always loved visiting her dad in New Zealand until she returns during the pandemic.
Now he’s got a baby with her new stepmum and everything has changed. Worse still, her windsurfer hasn’t arrived yet, so there’s nothing for her to do but wait for Mum who is stuck overseas.
Then Becky finds a strange stone at Whale Bay and her luck changes. She makes new friends, joins an environmental group, borrows a windsurfer, and has several close encounters with a bottlenose dolphin who simply won’t leave her alone.
What is wrong with the dolphin? Is it trying to tell her something? And who are the people poaching fish from the marine reserve? How is it all connected? Becky must find a way to solve it all.
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Just Keep Going is a story of blended families, new friendships, marine pollution, a magical stone, a persistent dolphin, and a young girl with a strong will to succeed, adapting to life in a new country. For readers aged 11 to 14 years.
Just Keep Going is book 3 in the “Just” series which starts with Just End It (book 1) and continues with Just Remember (book 2).
Reviews
Flaxflower ~ “A very readable light adventure featuring, as well as the joys of windsurfing, environmental concerns, a dolphin that seems to want to communicate something, and a couple of baddies to add to the intrigue.”
Bob Docherty, Bobs Books Blog ~ “Great for girls of intermediate and junior secondary age especially reluctant readers.”
Karen McMillan, NZ Booklovers ~ “Just Keep Going is an engaging read with delightful characters and wonderful messages about the environment and the importance of friends and family…”
C.V. Aramakutu, Kiwi author ~ “This story evoked a lot of nostalgia; a kiwi child growing up on the edges of the ocean. The vivid descriptions of the bays, surf and wildlife brought many fond memories alive once more.” Read Claire’s full review in the Reviews tab.
Kiwi author Donna Blaber
Find out more about Whangarei author Donna Blaber on her author profile.
Additional information
Weight
130 g
Dimensions
20.3 × 12.7 × 0.5 cm
Format
Paperback edition
First published
2022
ISBN
9781927229781
Page count
116
Published by
Lighthouse
1 review for Just Keep Going
Rated 5 out of 5
Kate –
Review by Kiwi author C.V. Aramakutu
This story evoked a lot of nostalgia; a kiwi child growing up on the edges of the ocean. The vivid descriptions of the bays, surf and wildlife brought many fond memories alive once more.
The obsidian stone was not only the vessel to carry the magic, it also acted as a magnet to draw people together, building special relationships during a time when people needed companionship the most.
With the world reeling from a deadly pandemic, this tiny town sheltered from the worst of the devastation read like a sanctuary. A sanctuary that desperately needed protection.
Becky is a free-spirited teen who showcases an attitude fit for success. Her love of wind-surfing and dancing on the ocean is a reflection of coastal living.
The negative environmental impact of pollution and illegal fishing is illustrated in harsh reality in this book. This is an important topic to include in middle-grade fiction.
The dolphin stuck in the net tugged at my heart strings. A far too common occurrence. Magic or not, the connection between the dolphin and Becky was extraordinary. A special life bond.
Kate –
Review by Kiwi author C.V. Aramakutu
This story evoked a lot of nostalgia; a kiwi child growing up on the edges of the ocean. The vivid descriptions of the bays, surf and wildlife brought many fond memories alive once more.
The obsidian stone was not only the vessel to carry the magic, it also acted as a magnet to draw people together, building special relationships during a time when people needed companionship the most.
With the world reeling from a deadly pandemic, this tiny town sheltered from the worst of the devastation read like a sanctuary. A sanctuary that desperately needed protection.
Becky is a free-spirited teen who showcases an attitude fit for success. Her love of wind-surfing and dancing on the ocean is a reflection of coastal living.
The negative environmental impact of pollution and illegal fishing is illustrated in harsh reality in this book. This is an important topic to include in middle-grade fiction.
The dolphin stuck in the net tugged at my heart strings. A far too common occurrence. Magic or not, the connection between the dolphin and Becky was extraordinary. A special life bond.