The Islander by Cynthia Rylant, DK Publishing, Inc, 1998, ISBN 0-7894-2490-8
Publisher's Summary: Living with his grandfather on an island off British Columbia, ten-year-old Daniel feels deep lonliness until the night he meets a mermaid whose identity he tries to learn.
This book is so peaceful. The language is rich and somehow calming, even though parts of the story are sad. Daniel makes a beautiful transition from a lonely youth to a happy young man through some rather uncommon sources of help! Just enough fantasy element to make the story magical, yet possible...
A much better and more interesting review can be found at Book Page.
Seems that I am so in awe of Ms. Rylant"s words that I am tongue-tied!
