This was a charming story about a unique boy and the stories he creates based on his collection of seashells. His parents helped him start the collection so that he could take something with him as they moved from each of his Navy father's postings to the next, rather than feeling completely uprooted. The story starts with him as a very young child and follows him into high school. I felt like I knew him, watching him grew and change, but continuing as a gallant fighter and gentleman, old-fashioned and geekily awkward in some ways, so creative and sweet. What a treasure! ( )