Baughman’s debut is a powerful story about family, friendship and the different ways to process grief.

When Addie’s twin brother drowns in Maple Lake, her parents withdraw choosing to deal with their grief alone away from the lake. Addie does the opposite. Determined to prove her brother’s theory that a mysterious creature lives in the lake, she joins a scientific team doing work there. She soon discovers there may be a connection between what Amos saw and environmental changes. She realizes while changes to the lake and her family may be inevitable, she can decide how she responds to them.

With lyrical writing, timely issues and heart The Light in the Lake is a must read.