“The Adventures of Syd: Rescue on Tangier Island” by Danielle Simone

The Adventures of Syd: Rescue on Tangier Island

Danielle Simone
Creative Minds Publications (2026)
ISBN: 979-8997063702
Reviewed by Courtney Lowry for Reader Views (08/2026)

The Adventures of Syd: Rescue on Tangier Island is a thoughtful middle-grade book written by Danielle Simone about a girl with a heart for saving a dog, bringing together a community, and learning that the environment is ever-changing. The story begins with our main character Sydney (nicknamed Syd) thinking that something is wrong when she is unexpectedly picked up early from school. What is believed, at first, to be a potential for bad news is actually the start of a boat adventure on the Chesapeake Bay. Alongside her dad, Dr. Gardner, and their side-eyeing Blue Heeler dog, Goose, Syd meets a couple of new faces as she adjusts to life temporarily on Tangier Island. Filling in for an injured scientist, Syd, her dad, and Goose meet Sev, a hardened and lonely fisherman who is strictly business. He speaks sternly and isn’t up for any small talk.

The team often works together to gain more insight about the crab molting process at sunrise. Earlier in the book, upon arrival at their new home, Goose was intrigued by something under the porch. There wasn’t much time to discover what it was before, but now we learn there is a stray dog living there that Tom, the injured scientist, has been tending to. There’s still much more work to be done. Crabs need to be sorted, and things need to be in order. Syd worries about the dog, but it’s up to her and the rest of her crew to save it. Syd never gives up on saving the tiny dog under the porch and attempts many times to get it to come out of hiding.

The Adventures of Syd: Rescue on Tangier Island is an enjoyable book for middle-grade readers that ties together a story full of wit, science, and empathy. It shows that as humans, we are quick to jump to conclusions about people, not knowing the true meaning behind someone’s demeanor. I also learned a lot about the crabbing industry, boating terminology, and “Chesapeake English” while reading this book. This was particularly exciting for me because The Adventures of Syd: Rescue on Tangier Island is set against the backdrop of Tangier Island, Virginia. I am very familiar with the Chesapeake Bay as a Maryland native. This book also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and keeping the environment clean. I remember going on a field trip and learning how to keep the Bay clean in elementary school, so it was nostalgic reading about this topic again.

The Adventures of Syd: Rescue on Tangier Island  also touches on the subject of using AI versus traditional crabbing. There have been many advances in technology (some created by Tom the scientist himself), and Dr. Gardner stresses to Sev that these improvements could help his crabbing business. But Sev is resistant because he feels as if he’ll be out of business because of Artificial Intelligence. This type of tension in the book seemed very current with the times of today.

As the book progressed, my favorite character became Kat, a kind and smart boatwoman. She’s a nice change of pace from Sev and had a lot of compassion for both Syd and the dog under the porch. It was also really cool to see a woman in this type of role. At the end of the book, Ms. Simone also includes information on the acronym STEAM and adds an “R” to it for “Reading.” STREAM stands for: Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. Overall, I enjoyed learning about crabbing, marshes, and boating while reading this book.

There are also a few illustrations throughout the book that were created by David Pfendler, who is also the cover artist. The cover accurately displays the physical characteristics of Syd and Goose, as well as the boat they use throughout the book. It’s also inviting and appropriate for the intended middle-grade audience. Most of the illustrations within the book were either maps of the island or diagrams about the shedding tank. But my favorite one was actually of Syd and Goose with a boathouse in the background and a dock. If you look closely, you’ll see it features a dog under the porch of the house. The illustration is toward the middle of the book, so you won’t know much about the dog itself unless you keep reading. But I thought this illustration summed up the story’s arc well in just one image.

While there are some parts where the plot’s pacing slows a little, the story has a harrowing experience woven in and emotional moments that will pull at your heartstrings. Altogether, this book offers an exciting storyline and educational opportunity.

Rescue on Tangier Island is the fourth installment in The Adventures of Syd series written by Danielle Simone. Ms. Simone is currently a preschool director and created this series to help inspire her grandkids–and kids everywhere–to “go and explore the amazing natural world that they have been given while being good stewards of their environment.” This book is perfect for fans of Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr.