"Jubilee" book by Laura Soule Boyles

When twelve-year-old Jeremy Echols convinces his mother to let him spend the summer on the Florida Gulf Coast with the paternal grandparents he barely knows, he expects an easy summer of fishing and goofing off. He discovers a unique landscape of white sandy beaches, humid ocean air, twisted oak trees great for climbing, and a curious blue heron that won’t leave him alone. Jeremy and his friend Junie explore the estuary of Pensacola Bay, learning about groundwater springs, shipwrecks, and fishing from salty old Bill St. Claire. When a hurricane exposes unusual artifacts on Bill's property, Jeremy is caught up in a surprising story of 16th century Spanish explorers and learns about piecing together a city’s history as he pieces his own family back together. In the process, he learns that life’s storms reveal the greatest treasures. In this coming- of- age- novel based on actual archaeological discoveries in Pensacola, Florida, a child of the “digital” experiences “bayou life” along with childhood freedom, meaningful friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of acknowledging the past rather than burying it.

Cover art by Sarah Soule Webb

Prints available: https://sswstudios.com/products/jubilee