Janet Bates

Seaside Dream Janet Bates

In this tender story of immigration, a young girl finds a way to give her grandmother the perfect present and the courage to plan a trip to her home country, Cape Verde.

Tomorrow is Grandma's birthday, and the house is overflowing with family and friends. Hugs, laughter, and the smells of delicious food fill the air as everyone gets ready for a beach party. Cora is excited, but she is also worried because she still does not have a present for Grandma. Cora cannot think of anything special enough.

Cora knows her grandmother misses her home country, Cape Verde. After a nighttime walk on the beach with Grandma, Cora finally comes up with an idea for the perfect gift. It is one that both of them will always remember-and a way to help Grandma reconnect with faraway family.

Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award Honor, Seaside Dream celebrates a treasured relationship between child and grandparent. Set in a lush, coastal neighborhood, this contemporary story lovingly affirms family bonds that transcend age and distance and warmly captures the joy of giving from the heart.