Elizabeth Fama
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From the publisher:

One moment of rashness, and fourteen-year-old Emily Slake finds herself amid hundreds of panicked and drowning people in the dark ocean waters off Sumatra. Miles from shore without a life vest, she resolves to survive. But in facing the dangers of the ocean, the desperation of her fellow survivors, and her own growing exhaustion, Emily must summon wits and endurance she’s not sure she has.

Striking out on her own, Emily encounters Isman, a frightened young Muslim boy, floating in a life vest. Together they swim for their lives, relying on Emily’s physical strength and Isman’s quiet faith.

Based on a true story, Overboard is both a riveting tale of survival and a sensitive portrayal of cross-cultural understanding in a time of crisis.

From Reviewers:

"A first rate nail-biter." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
  
“In plain style, Fama conveys the elemental struggle and shows how Emily finds strength she didn’t know she had.” — Booklist

“Each moment brings. . . new problems — cold, hunger, sharks, a whirlpool, fear — and actively holds readers’ interest. An author’s note describes the inspiration for this unique book — a real ferry accident off the coast of Sumatra in 1996 when only 40 of the 400 passengers survived.” — School Library Journal

Awards and accolades:

  • Named a 2003 ALA Best Book for Young Readers (one of only eleven books selected unanimously that year)
  • Received the 2002-2003 honor award for children's fiction, Society of Midland Authors
  • Starred review: Kliatt (a bi-monthly review magazine of young-adult literature)
  • Nominated for five readers' choice awards:
           The Great Stone Face Award, 2003-2004, New Hampshire
           The Tayshas, 2003-2004, Texas
           The Rebecca Caudill Award, 2005, Illinois
           The Beehive Award, 2005-2006, Utah
           The Sunshine State Young Readers Award, 2006-2007, Florida

If you're a teacher (or parent):

Discussion questions for Overboard.
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