The Neptune Project, Polly Holyoke. Set hundreds of years into the future when humans ruined the Earth, Nere is forced by her mother to live in the sea. Without her knowledge, she, along with other kids, have been genetically changed to live like a fish. She learns that her father, whom she presumed dead, is actually alive, but to get to him, she must travel through dangerous waters, the Western Collective and The Marine Guard who are willing to pay for their capture. The Neptune Project, created to provide a safer life below the waters, is an adjustment she is not sure she likes. Surviving with a group of kids, she is soon deemed the leader. Surrounding them are a pod of dolphins with whom she can communicate telepathically and count on for support and safety. Dai, the one boy that seems misplaced with her group, gives them all pause for concern, and yet, he continues to surprise them with his skills and awkward friendship.

Holyoke takes the reader on a twisting, turning adventure into the underworld of sea life. Surprises await, as do sadness, disappointment and acceptance. A surefire entertainment for science fiction fans.

How to Speak Dolphin, Ginny Rorby. Four-year old Adam is autistic and proves to be a handful for Lily, his older half-sister who has a hard time making friends because others don't understand him. She cleans up after he makes messes and calms him down in the middle of his unpredictable tirades. Her mom died a couple of years ago and her step-dad, Don, gives her too much responsibility for taking care of him. The story takes place in south west Florida where dolphins are prevalent. And dolphins are exactly what Adam seems to respond to. Nori, a dolphin recovering from cancer, was taken from its own mother and lives in a tank. Don, an oncologist, is called in to help the dolphin and in exchange, Adam gets therapy sessions with Nori. Skipping school one day, for fear of being late once again, Lily meanders to the park, where she meets Zoe, a blind girl her own age. They become friends and set out on a quest to free Nori to her natural habitat. Lily knows it is the right thing to do; yet, she also knows that Adam relates to Nori and  experiences calm. The reader is eager to find out which way her heart will tug her?

This is a touching story of honoring those we have lost and the fear of letting go while finding love and friendship in unexpected places.