Book cover of The Light in the Lake

Book description

Twelve-year-old Addie should avoid Maple Lake. After all, her twin brother Amos drowned there only a few months ago. But its crisp, clear water runs in her veins, and the notebook Amos left behind, filled with clues about a mysterious creature in the lake's inky-blue depths, keeps calling her back.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Light in the Lake as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I fall hard for girl protagonists who are into science, and Addie is no exception. I love the science vs. magic theme, with Addie investigating her deceased brother’s belief in a magical creature that lives in the lake where he drowned.

The book has a mystery vibe that grabbed me from the get-go, and Addie’s courageous environmental investigations (diving into that murky lake!) are riveting. Rich language, thought-provoking themes, and big questions make this an engaging and important book for middle-grade readers. 

From Kimberly's list on middle grade kids and nature mingle.

If you love The Light in the Lake...

Book cover of The Yesterday Dress

The Yesterday Dress by Teena Raffa-Mulligan,

Everyone in Angelina's big family has a story to tell.

The Yesterday Dress is a story for seven to nine-year olds about family connections and how learning about the past gives us a stronger sense of where we come from, who we are and how we fit into our world.…

Want books like The Light in the Lake?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Light in the Lake.

Browse books like The Light in the Lake

Book cover of King and the Dragonflies
Book cover of Here in the Real World
Book cover of Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,299

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Light in the Lake, you might also like...

Book cover of Floretta

Floretta by Joan Budilovsky,

Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…

Book cover of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

In the Dragon's Fiery Lair by Lois Wickstrom,

A hidden curse. A thoughtful daredevil. Is this youngster’s accidental plunge into the fantastical about to unlock a wonderful surprise?

Amy is eager for excitement. On the brink of turning twelve and discovering if she’s inherited her late dad’s magic, the hard-working girl can barely wait to take a trip…

5 book lists we think you will like!