Three Blue Hearts

By: Lynne Kelly

Narrated by: Jamie K. Brown

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the bestselling author of Song for a Whale comes a deeply moving story about a boy, an octopus, and the extraordinary bond that changes their lives forever.

Max can’t seem to escape the big, looming shadow of his politician dad. But for the next few months, Max and his mom are going away to a quiet Texas beach town where Max can be someone else. Someone who doesn’t make dumb mistakes that embarrass his father—someone who knows how to be strong.

He stumbles on his fresh start right away, when he finds an injured octopus washed up onshore after a storm. With the help of a local wildlife center and a couple of new friends, Max rescues the octopus—who they name Ursula—and vows to take care of her until she’s ready to return to the sea.

But as their bond deepens and Max makes unexpected discoveries that turn his summer upside down, Max’s true strength will be put to the test. Can he keep his promise after all?

Critic reviews

"Kelly tells a gentle, sweet-hearted tale of a tween managing personal responsibility and finding his own voice." —Publishers Weekly

"An excellent fit for kids who like stories centering animals and friendship, this will appeal to fans of Pennypacker’s Pax and Kelly’s previous work, Song for a Whale." —The Bulletin

"Full of heart, a dash of science, and plenty of octopus antics, this story is a tender, bittersweet reminder that growth can come from the most unexpected of places. This quiet, heartfelt story will stay with readers long after the tide goes out." —Kirkus Reviews

"Boasting a combination of family dynamics, new friendships, animal husbandry, challenging choices, and coming of age, this will resonate with readers who enjoy diving into realistic fiction with a side of animal love." —Booklist

"Animal lovers should keep tissues handy....This heartfelt story showcases one boy’s coming of age, and the joys and sorrows of rescuing an animal." —School Library Journal