Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel is a modern retelling of the classic tale of Peter Pan, set against the backdrop of the beautiful beaches of Southern California. The story follows Wendy Darling, a grieving teenager who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of her two brothers, Michael and John.

Wendy is consumed by her grief and finds solace in the ocean, where she spends her days surfing and searching for answers. One night, she encounters a mysterious boy named Pete, who introduces her to a group of surfers who call themselves the Lost Boys. Pete and his friends live for the thrill of the waves and the freedom of the ocean, and Wendy soon finds herself drawn into their world.

As Wendy gets to know the Lost Boys, she begins to see parallels between her own life and the story of Peter Pan. Just like Peter, Pete is searching for a place where he can escape his past and be free from the pain of growing up. Wendy is captivated by Pete’s sense of adventure and the camaraderie of the group, but she also begins to question if their carefree lifestyle is truly what she wants.

Alyssa B. Sheinmel does a fantastic job of capturing the emotional journey of her characters, particularly Wendy, as she navigates the complexities of grief, loss, and finding oneself. The writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the coastal landscape and the characters who inhabit it.

Overall, Second Star is a poignant and thought-provoking read that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. Fans of contemporary young adult fiction and classic retellings will find much to enjoy in this compelling novel.