Spineless by Samantha San Miguel

A sickly young man finds both adventure and wisdom in Spineless, an enjoyable debut novel set in turn-of-the-century Florida.

Spineless by Samantha San Miguel. Union Square Kids, 2022, 246 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, 1ges 10-12

Recommended for: ages 8-14

Trouble at Hotel Paraíso

Florida is the hot new tourist mecca in turn-of-the-century America. For Algie Emsworth, an asthmatic 12-year-old with a consuming interest in flora and fauna, it could be paradise—that is, if his over-protective mother will let him off the leash long enough to explore. It doesn’t seem promising at first: on his first tour Algie gets separated from the group and lost in the swamp, where he makes the acquaintance of a very friendly young octopus. Also two adventurous girls, Francisca (Frankie) and Lourdes (Lulu) Davenport, who have the run of Hotel Paraíso, because their father owns it.

Frankie, who rivals Algie in nature lore, is skeptical of his abilities as a fellow adventurer, but necessity throws them together. The hotel is beset by mysterious events, unusual accidents, and rumors of a haunting, and if enough guests are scared away, it will close.  The girls believe there’s a natural explanation for the weird occurrences, but they need to prove it. And other hotel guests, namely as celebrated explorer Ransom Champion and circus owner Madame Maximus, seem intent in getting in the way.

The Earth and its fullness

The plot seems contrived in spots, but sparkling dialogue, interesting characters, and an unusual setting make this a standout novel for middle-graders. Appreciation for the natural world takes center stage, as well as for those who protect and take care of it (see the author’s acknowledgement to God “for this beautiful planet and its inhabitants”). And though some characters act villainously, no one is beyond redemption. Algie, in particular, grows not only in physical stamina but personal maturity, leaning “how important it was to treat everyone with patience and respect, no matter his personal feelings toward them.” His heart grows even stronger than his body, but almost every character grows or changes or surprises in some way. This is a fun and promising debut.

Overall Rating: 4.25

• Worldview/moral value: 4.5
• Artistic/literary value 4

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Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: The Aquanaut explores similar territory of deep-sea creatures, divers, and underwater mysteries.

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