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Honors
- 2026 Maine Literary Award for Young People’s Literature
- 2026 Green Earth Award Honor Book, Children’s Fiction
- 2026 Lupine Award Shortlist
The Secret of the Catapus
A Seal. A Circle of Friends. A Special Kind of Magic.
Twelve-year-old Ellie moves to her grandmother’s Maine homestead, uncovering extraordinary secrets about her family, community, and nature. In this small coastal town, she finds her voice as a young climate activist, aided by a group of new friends, a mysterious seal, and her grandmother’s spirit. Set on the wild Maine coast, The Secret of the Catapus is a coming-of-age tale blending environmental urgency with heartfelt storytelling, humor, and magical realism.
For Parents, Teachers, and Young Eco-Warriors
If you’re looking for middle-grade books about climate change, children’s books set on the Maine coast, or novels for juvenile readers that blend friendship, marine life, and environmental themes—The Secret of the Catapus is your next must-read.
Explore themes of grief, courage, identity, and community action, all grounded in a realistic, compelling narrative. Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot and anyone passionate about nature, animals, or saving the planet.
PRAISE
“Beautifully written, with a vivid sense of place that will connect readers with nature and make the environmental crisis real and personal. Engaging characters and human warmth demonstrate that individuals can be part of creating solutions to the threats we all face. Accessible, readable adventure with a true green heart.”
—Nicola Davies, author of The Song That Sings Us
“The Secret of the Catapus is an extraordinary story of love: for the natural world, for standing up for what is right, and for carrying forward a grandparent’s legacy. Ellie is a force, and the town of Whitneyport hums with Down East traditions as it confronts our desperate need for greater ecological responsibility. You’ll have to listen to these whip-smart kids, and you won’t want to leave these waters.”
—Gregory Brown, author of The Lowering Days
“Full of good-hearted humor, compelling issues, lovable characters, friendship, and hope, The Secret of the Catapus will resonate long after the last page is read.“
—Kristine Bondeson, columnist, Echoes Magazine
“The Secret of the Catapus touches on a subject extremely important for my generation. It is a great read for any young adult seeking an awareness of what it means to be an environmentally conscious member of society. Jenkins artfully weaves many themes together in a story seen through the eyes of a curious young learner whose journey is remarkably true to the journey of a young activist.”
—Thea, 15-year-old environmental activist and Citizen’s Climate Lobby volunteer