PRAISE
"Gives the reader an interesting introduction to surfing and surfing culture. The plot of the story is tight and well crafted...Recommended." (CM Magazine 20120323)
"Orca Sports books are excellent at engaging reluctant readers and Dawn Patrol is no exception. While I know absolutely nothing about surfing I found myself engrossed in the adventure...Very dramatic and intense." (Resource Links 20120401)
"The story is packed with action and moves at a fast clip...A worthwhile addition for libraries needing more hi/lo titles and more sports titles." (Library Media Connection 20121101)
"A good choice for both middle school and high school libraries. It's a fast read that is definitely going to entertain young readers who need a break from the demands of school life." (Tri State YA Book Review Committee 20120901)
SYNOPSIS
Luca and Esme have more than monster waves to worry about.
Everything stops making sense for extreme surfer Kevin Taylor after his parents die in a plane crash. When Kevin disappears leaving only a cryptic note, his best friends Luca and Esme have no choice but to try and find him. Their journey takes them to the coast of Panama where they must confront unfriendly locals, a surfer who seems bent on destroying them and monster waves. As their hope dwindles and time runs out, the mystery of what really happened to Kevin’s parents deepens, and Luca and Esme begin to wonder if they are in over their heads.
YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers Honor
Where it came from: I love Dawn Patrol. This could be because I came up with the idea while bobbing around waiting for sets of waves to come in in Panama one Christmas. I am not a great surfer. But I love surfing. My biggest issue is that I don't have a ton of upper body strength and never think to work on this before surfing. So, after a few paddles out, I'm dead tired. Surfing is hard work, really. Most of that vacation was spent staring at the water waiting for waves to come in. But when they did, they were awesome. Bigger than I should have been in. But there was no way I wasn't going to try. I took my then eight year old surfing in Fiji in 2013 for the first time and he loved it. Though, there was the fear of sharks to contend with.
Nevertheless, Dawn Patrol came from the idea that someone could miss a friend so much, they'd do anything to make certain the other person was safe. There is a little romance in here, but that's all an aside. The real connection is between Kevin and Luca and the friendship they have. They might get angry at one another, but in the end they are best friends and will do anything for one another.
SYNOPSIS
Luca and Esme have more than monster waves to worry about.
Everything stops making sense for extreme surfer Kevin Taylor after his parents die in a plane crash. When Kevin disappears leaving only a cryptic note, his best friends Luca and Esme have no choice but to try and find him. Their journey takes them to the coast of Panama where they must confront unfriendly locals, a surfer who seems bent on destroying them and monster waves. As their hope dwindles and time runs out, the mystery of what really happened to Kevin’s parents deepens, and Luca and Esme begin to wonder if they are in over their heads.
YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers Honor
Where it came from: I love Dawn Patrol. This could be because I came up with the idea while bobbing around waiting for sets of waves to come in in Panama one Christmas. I am not a great surfer. But I love surfing. My biggest issue is that I don't have a ton of upper body strength and never think to work on this before surfing. So, after a few paddles out, I'm dead tired. Surfing is hard work, really. Most of that vacation was spent staring at the water waiting for waves to come in. But when they did, they were awesome. Bigger than I should have been in. But there was no way I wasn't going to try. I took my then eight year old surfing in Fiji in 2013 for the first time and he loved it. Though, there was the fear of sharks to contend with.
Nevertheless, Dawn Patrol came from the idea that someone could miss a friend so much, they'd do anything to make certain the other person was safe. There is a little romance in here, but that's all an aside. The real connection is between Kevin and Luca and the friendship they have. They might get angry at one another, but in the end they are best friends and will do anything for one another.
