Starboard

Nicola Skinner's inventive, funny, surprising prose once again tells an honest story of big emotions, making Starboard the perfect follow-up to the critically acclaimed Storm.

Kirsten Bramble is too famous to have friends. That’s what she tells herself, anyway—but with the end of her hit reality TV show barreling toward her, Kirsten’s not sure she’s ready to say goodbye to her lonely life of fame.

Luckily—or unluckily—Kirsten can’t help being plunged headfirst into a new adventure when she’s dragged on a class trip to visit the SS Great Britain. Because somehow, the ancient ship can speak to her—and she wants Kirsten to be her new captain.

The ship pulls out of the harbor with no sails and no working engine, and try as Kirsten might, she can’t convince the ship to turn back until they find a way to help her finish her final quest.

Kirsten doesn’t feel like a captain—but along the way, she may just realize that the ending of an adventure, while scary, can be just as special as the beginning.

On a journey she never asked for, Kirsten will discover more than she ever expected.

• Historical Fantasy: Step aboard the real-life SS Great Britain, a legendary vessel with a magical mind of its own and a mysterious final quest.
• A Reluctant Hero: Kirsten Bramble is a reality TV star, not a captain. But when the ship chooses her, she’ll have to find a courage she never knew she had.
• A Talking Ship: With a will of her own and a voice in Kirsten’s head, the ship leaves port with no engine and no sails, guided only by magic.
• An Unlikely Crew: Joined by her ex-best friend and a crew of living mannequins, Kirsten discovers that the best adventures are the ones you share.

Praise for Storm: "Centered around the theme of allowing oneself to feel and experience anger, sadness, and pain rather than shoving them down, it challenges societal norms of adults “tidying up” kids’ feelings. A hauntingly memorable mixture of humor and honest emotion." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Skinner’s poignant story of Frankie’s ordinary and heartbreaking afterlife tackles grand themes of love, forgiveness, friendship, and even the meaning of life. A perfect book for fans of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline and The Graveyard Book." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

"This inventive book proceeds with a wonderful air of whimsy and humor. An enthralling adventure packed with history and heart." - Booklist

"Thoughtful swashbuckling fantasy." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A combination of James and the Giant Peach and Pixar’s Inside Out.This remarkable fantasy remains grounded in dry humor and emotional truth. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Kirsten’s fantastical adventure on the high seas is a true treasure to read - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

This magical mystery tour of an adventure quest is written with a profound understanding of the human condition and all the ways people (and magical ships and mannequins) try to avoid the pull of their deepest needs. An extraordinarily profound and far-reaching coming-of-age story.  - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)