The Light in the Lake

Twelve-year-old Addie accepts a Young Scientist position to study Mountain Pond in Vermont over the summer. The lake holds deep significance for her - it's where her twin brother Sam drowned several months ago while pursuing his own research into a mysterious lake creature. During her scientific investigation of the lake's ecology, Addie discovers troubling evidence about changes in the water quality and wildlife. She works alongside a mentor scientist while also getting to know local residents who have different perspectives on the lake's past and future. Between gathering water samples and documenting observations, Addie grapples with grief, family relationships, and competing interests in the lake's preservation. Her scientific mission becomes intertwined with understanding her brother's last days and his dedication to uncovering the lake's secrets. The novel explores tensions between environmental science and local traditions, while examining how a young person navigates loss through seeking concrete answers to abstract questions. At its core, it's a story about finding one's own path while honoring connections to people and places we love.

Readers call this middle-grade novel a thoughtful exploration of grief, science, and environmental conservation. Many reviewers note the authentic portrayal of a 12-year-old processing loss while pursuing her scientific interests. Readers appreciated: - Balanced handling of science vs local traditions/beliefs - Realistic depiction of small-town Vermont life - Strong female protagonist interested in STEM - Environmental themes without being preachy Common criticisms: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the ending unresolved - Scientific concepts may be complex for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews) Kirkus Reviews: Starred Review Notable reader comment: "Perfect for kids who love science but also want emotional depth in their stories." - Goodreads reviewer The book resonates particularly with educators and librarians who recommend it for classroom discussions about environmental science and grief.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk A girl in rural Pennsylvania uncovers her small town's dark secrets while befriending a veteran who faces persecution from a local bully.

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk An orphan on a remote island investigates the mystery of her own past while discovering connections to an abandoned leper colony.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden A seventh-grade girl from a low-income family in Vermont confronts environmental and social issues while finding her voice through a school project.

Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin A twelve-year-old girl in North Carolina deals with her mother's mental illness while seeking folk remedies and facing drought on her family's farm.

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin After her best friend drowns, a young scientist investigates whether a rare jellyfish could have caused the tragedy while processing her grief through research.

✧ Sarah R. Baughman worked as a middle school teacher for over a decade before becoming an author, giving her unique insight into writing for young readers ✧ The book explores real scientific concepts about lake ecology and water quality, weaving them naturally into the story through the main character's research project ✧ The setting was inspired by Vermont's Lake Champlain region, where mysterious lake phenomena have been reported for centuries ✧ The author consulted with environmental scientists while writing to ensure the scientific elements of the story were accurate ✧ The novel addresses grief and loss while simultaneously celebrating the wonder of scientific discovery, earning it recognition as a Junior Library Guild Selection