The Stowaway's Secret

By: J.G. Follansbee

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In 1932 Seattle, police haul away 13-year-old Bet Lindstrom's father for a crime he didn’t commit. Refusing to wait for the wheels of justice to turn, she slips aboard her father's ship, a cod‑fishing schooner bound for Alaska. She hopes to track down the real criminal and bring home proof of her father’s innocence.

Life at sea is colder, harsher, and riskier than Bet ever imagined. Storms threaten the ship at every turn. Some officers don’t want a stowaway upsetting the crew, while others welcome her keen intelligence. As the voyage cuts through Unimak Pass in the Aleutians and into the wide, gray Bering Sea, Bet learns the ropes, earns unlikely allies, and uncovers whispers of a secret that could wreck more than the ship’s catch. To survive, she must outsmart storms and liars alike, deciding how much she’s willing to risk for the people she loves.

Brisk, heart‑felt, and rich with nautical detail, this young adult historical fiction highlights a brave female protagonist whose courage shines against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Perfect for young readers who enjoy mystery, history, adventure, and heroines who take charge.

If you love books by Ruta Sepetys (Salt of the Sea), Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity), and Jennifer Nielsen (Iceberg), you'll love the story of Bet Lindstrom as she navigates a male-dominated world and outsmarts the criminals using her newfound knowledge.

Praise for the first edition, "Bet: Stowaway Daughter"
“A wonderful new addition to the genre of tales about seafaring girls.” — Barbara Sjoholm, author, The Pirate Queen: In Search of Grace O’Malley and Other Legendary Women of the Sea

“Bet Lindstrom is a smart, gutsy, yet very believable female protagonist whom I cheered for from page one.” — Linda Collison, author of Star-Crossed and The Patricia MacPherson Nautical Adventure Series.

“Young teens will find the book a worthy read and learn about large sailing ships and 1930s Seattle while doing so.” — Steven Wells, author, Ginger’s Story: A Golden Retriever Reflects Upon Her Life With Humans

“The emphasis on Bet’s strong math skills and wily independence make her a relatable and inspiration character.” —Tamara Bunnell, history teacher, The Northwest School

“I swear I could smell the salt spray, hear every hiss of the water and creak of the wood, feel the deck pitching and see the canvas sails fill with wind.” —Candace Brown, Good Life Northwest