The ocean has always flowed through Sophie's life. It promises journeys of adventure and discovery - she is drawn to it. And when she gets the chance to cross the Atlantic on board her uncle's boat, The Wanderer, she can't wait to set sail.

But troubled Sophie has a secret, and deep down she's terrified of where The Wanderer will take her. For this storm-tossed voyage will also be a journey into the mysterious past of her forgotten childhood. And she, and the rest of the crew aboard, may not survive it.

This book was recognised by the Carnegie Award. The CILIP Carnegie Medal is awarded by childrens librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people.

This book has been graded for interest at 9-11 years.

This book was published 2008 by Pan Macmillan .

Sharon Creech is an internationally acclaimed author who lives in upstate New York with her husband.