Fourteen year old Tyler and his little sister Emma meet their neighbors foster son, fourteen year old Calem at their beach house in Hampton Bays, New York. After discovering unusual fishermen and nearly drowning, Emma discovers that there is something in the water that helps save her. After sneaking out to the beach at night, the kids discover a mermaid named Acrilla who helped Emma. She takes them to her underwater home where she, and the other mermaids live. Unfortunately, they are in danger from humans who take sea mammals and sell them for money. It is up to Tyler, Emma, and Calem to help the mermaids protect the wild ocean animals while keeping it a secret from their parents.

The Golden Tail at Hampton Bays is created by Michelle Fishkin, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author.

The Golden Tail at Hampton Bays

Summer vacation is now over. The kids are back home. The weather is still warm even after Labor Day. Before the first day of school, Tyler heads to the school auditorium to have freshman orientation at his new high school. Many faces are recognizable, and others are not since there are separate elementary and middle schools in the district. The next day, as Emma leaves for her first day of fifth grade, Tyler gets on the bus to start his first day of high school. It is a little scary at first, but most of his friends are enrolled in the same school. On the other bus, Emma looks out the window, watching the trees go by. The kids on the bus become rowdy and noisy while going back to the usual tradition of throwing paper balls at other students. On Tyler’s bus, the kids are more quiet and relaxed. Many are just talking and looking at their phones with friends. Tyler does the same with his friends, with his phone out. One of them tries to get Tyler’s attention.


Eighth Grade