Gr 6-9-- Vicky's mother trains dolphins for an aquarium near the Colombian Bell Reef. During a school holiday, Vicky and Daniel, a local teenager who works at the aquarium, stumble upon what may be an undersea treasure. They take a dolphin out to sea with them, and it brings up proof that they have found an important wreck. While the portrayal of dolphins and their training is well done, Vicky and Daniel ' s actions and their consequences are questionable. Their diving feats (all done without equipment) are implausible, and it is difficult to believe that Daniel would not be fired for taking a dolphin without permission. Island life is romanticized , while the poverty of Daniel's family is glossed over. Todd Strasser's Beyond the Reef (Delacorte, 1989) is a more credible and convincing look at treasure hunting. --Susan H. Williamson, Homer-Center School District, PA
