Dear Reader,
When I was a girl, I LOVED adventure stories about quiet, brave kids who saved the day. But I was frustrated because in those stories, boys almost always got to be the heroes. I also loved dolphins, and I wished that there were more books about them and the mysterious world beneath the waves.
Eventually I became a scuba diver, and I was able to 
see that mysterious and beautiful undersea world for myself. That's when I decided to write a story about Nere, a shy girl who is capable and brave. Nere can also talk to dolphins, she lives in the sea, and she definitely gets to save the day!
If you like books about courage, friendship and adventure, I think you'll love The Neptune Project.
Happy reading!
Polly Holyoke
Book reviews:
"This suspenseful undersea dystopia should keep middle schoolers hooked."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Part science fiction, part adventure story, THE NEPTUNE PROJECT is a fast-paced, well-written story for upper middle grade readers. Kids will be fascinated by Nere's aquatic survival skills and her friendship and telepathy with a pod of dolphins."
- Claire Caterer, author of THE KEY AND THE FLAME
"Fierce battles and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friends race to safety in this action-packed aquatic adventure."
- YA Book Central
Discussion questions:
1. What if someone said that you HAD to start living in the sea tomorrow? What parts of living in the ocean would you enjoy? What parts would you hate?
2. What is life on land like for Nere and her classmates before she goes into the sea? What events or factors, do you suppose, may have led to the wars and climate disasters that have clearly taken place since our time?
3. Reviewers claim that THE NEPTUNE PROJECT vividly depicts the world under the waves. Is there anything that surprised you about that world?
4. Some of the dolphins in the story can actually communicate to Nere in human words, but only because Mariah was smart enough to pick up human speech when she was young. Do you think some animals do communicate with each other? Do you believe some animals are capable of thinking?
5. Nere, to her surprise, becomes a leader in the course of the story. Do you think she was the right choice? What qualities do you think a good leader should possess?
Visit the author's website to learn more about dolphins and Nere's undersea world; you'll see photos of colorful marine creatures, follow links to cool dolphin sites and can enter a contest to win a signed copy of Nere's story AND a dolphin necklace/bookmark.
AUTHOR CALL-IN INFORMATION: Polly is happy to call in or Skype with your book club. She can also visit your club if you meet in the North Texas region. Email her to submit your request.
