Brooke Carnwath releases middle-grade novel Far From the Ocean’s Edge

Author and educator Brooke Carnwath has released Far From the Ocean’s Edge, a middle-grade novel about a Maine girl searching for the father she has never met. The book, published by She Writes Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, centers on family, identity and belonging.

Why it matters: - The novel gives middle-grade readers a coming-of-age story centered on family identity, belonging and emotional growth. - The book is aimed at young readers who connect with adventure stories, horse stories and western settings. - Early praise suggests the story may resonate with children navigating complicated family dynamics.

What happened: - Brooke Carnwath released Far From the Ocean’s Edge on Sept. 1, 2026. - She Writes Press published the book and Simon & Schuster is distributing it. - The novel follows 12-year-old Skye, who wants to find the father she has never met. - Skye’s mother keeps the father’s identity secret. - Skye and her mother travel across the country to care for her ailing grandparents, opening a path to new answers.

The details: - The story moves Skye from coastal Maine to Wyoming. - Skye encounters mountains, rodeo arenas, horses and wide-open landscapes. - Tuck, a 10-year-old rodeo kid, helps Skye investigate a list of possible fathers. - Skye also spends time with her grandparents, camps beneath the stars and learns to ride. - The book’s central message is that family is defined by love, not geography or tradition. - Carnwath said writing the novel was an adventure and that she hopes Skye’s story keeps summer adventure going for readers. - Far From the Ocean’s Edge is available in print and digital editions. - Book details list a print ISBN of 979-8-89636-214-2 at $14.99 and an e-book ISBN of 979-8-89636-215-9 at $9.99. - More information is available at BrookeCarnwath.com, with links there to the author’s Facebook and Instagram pages. - Carnwath is based in Bozeman, Montana, and has spent nearly two decades teaching writing. - She is an assistant teaching professor at Montana State University. - Her previous work includes Scout and Lucy, plus fiction, creative nonfiction and writing for young readers. - Her writing has appeared in Women On Writing and the Elk River Writers Workshop anthology Voices Elevated. - Carnwath holds a B.A. from Middlebury College and an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Montana.

Between the lines: - Kirkus Reviews highlighted the book’s depiction of a child caught in fraught family dynamics and called Skye relatable. - The review said the novel offers an important lesson about accepting people for who they are. - Janet Fox described the book as a sweet, deeply felt contemporary story with strong Wyoming setting and family realism. - LuAnn M. Rod said the novel should appeal to readers who like horse stories and western adventure. - The endorsements position the book as both emotionally grounded and adventure-driven.

What's next: - The novel is on sale now in print and digital formats. - Carnwath is directing readers to her website and social media for more information and updates. - The publisher and distributor are likely to continue promoting the book to middle-grade readers, parents and educators.

The bottom line: - Far From the Ocean’s Edge pairs a search-for-family plot with a Western coming-of-age setting, aiming to reach young readers who want both heart and adventure.