When Sea Becomes Sky

Get in the xigxag app
Already purchased

Click to open directly in the xigxag app.

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book. Pre-order Buy Now ${{ price }} Send as a gift
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Bloomsbury presents When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn, read by Brenna Larsen.

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we’ll always carry with us.

Bex and Davey's summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless—and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they're thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they've been waiting for.

When they learn of a development plan that will destroy their special spot, they'll need to act quickly. Unfortunately, sometimes progress happens whether you're ready or not. What will it mean if Bex and Davey lose their corner of the marsh where otters frolic and dragonflies buzz—their favorite place to be siblings together?

As Bex and Davey attempt to save the statue and their beloved marsh, they come to see that the truth is not as simple as it seems . . . ultimately discovering so much more about life, permanence, love, and loss than they ever expected.

Award-winning author Gillian McDunn crafts a gorgeous story of love and siblinghood, of secret statues and island life, of holding on and letting go.

Critics Review

A beauty of a story.
Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE
A moving portrait of grief and growing up. . . The narrative is gentle and compassionate. . . . McDunn offers a bittersweet ode to the heartbreakingly ephemeral periods in life, and this novel provides a possible path forward after loss, even if it cannot offer easy answers.
BCCB, starred review
Written with immediacy and grace...fully engaging novel.
Booklist, starred review
Brenna Larsen tenderly narrates this story about love, loss, and the enduring power of art. . . As the mystery deepens, the sharp-eared listener will notice that Davey's infrequently heard voice becomes more and more like Bex's own. Larsen also gives each of the supporting characters a distinct tone that rounds out this quietly moving audio.
AudioFile
An undeniably beautiful story made for pondering and revisiting . . . Considers big questions and appreciates quiet moments with mastery, compassion and care.
BookPage
An expansive mystery starring two closely bonded siblings.
Publishers Weekly
The pages shine with love, loss, and a sense of place. . . . A mystery that, as it is uncovered, becomes something much more profound.
Kirkus Reviews
A novel full of heart, humor, and honesty. . . . Elliott is an instantly lovable character, and readers will be hooked from the very first chapter.
School Library Journal, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT
McDunn has a talent for creating sympathetic characters. . . . This well-paced, heartfelt chapter book offers a lovable main character, a lively supporting cast, and a satisfying conclusion.
Booklist, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT
McDunn (These Unlucky Stars) offers an affirming and nuanced depiction of empathetic and creative Elliott's experience of ADHD. . . . Elliott's relationship with his father, from whom he craves acceptance despite his dad's failure to acknowledge Elliott's specific challenges, is particularly inspiring as the two work toward openness and understanding.
Publishers Weekly, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT
In a droll, engaging, self-effacing, and disarmingly open voice, Elliott narrates his story, providing realistic, firsthand insights into living with ADHD. A refreshingly honest exploration of family and friendship.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on HONESTLY ELLIOTT

More from the same

Author

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.