
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
A 2005 Newbery Honor Book
Turner Buckminster has only been in Phippsburg, Maine, for a few hours before he’s sure of one thing—he hates it. Being the son of the town’s new minister makes it impossible to fit in, no matter how hard he tries. But when Turner meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a spirited girl from a nearby island community founded by former slaves, his world changes. Despite the disapproval of his father and the townspeople, Turner’s friendship with Lizzie introduces him to the beauty and mystery of Maine’s rugged coastline.
As their bond grows, the two discover that the town elders, including Turner’s father, are planning to remove the residents of Lizzie’s island to make way for a profitable tourist trade. Turner finds himself caught in a whirlwind of events that will forever change his life, forcing him to confront hard truths and come to terms with acceptance and maturity.
Based on the true story of a community’s destruction, this beautifully crafted historical novel explores the power of friendship, courage, and resilience during a time of social upheaval. Includes an author's note for additional historical context.