by Jenna Martin
Milo is the only cartwheeling sea star in the ocean—until a bully and a devastating storm change everything. Now, injured and far from home, he must discover that being different isn't his weakness... it's his superpower.
Milo has always known he’s different. But as the only fun-loving and cartwheeling sea star in all the sea he was too happy to care. Until he meets Spike the fourth-grade bully. In an instant, Milo’s world changes as he struggles between wanting to fit in with the other sea stars and wanting to continue doing the one thing that brings him joy—cartwheeling. Just as he’s about to decide, a storm separates him from Polly and causes Milo to lose one of his arms.
Far from home and everything he has ever known, Milo struggles to come to terms with his injured body. With the help of new friends, teachers, and an entirely new way of seeing the world, Milo has the chance to embrace the new destiny awaiting him—if he can survive.
We believe every child has something special inside them that makes them shine—a unique talent, passion, or way of being that can carry them through life’s storms.
Hi! I’m Jenna. My work with children in both educational and clinical settings, along with my own experiences with adversity, inspired me to write Milo and the Wisdom of the Sea. This story helps kids see that their differences aren’t obstacles to overcome, but gifts to celebrate. Each book I create is crafted with both heart and four decades of meditation practice to help children build resilience, embrace who they are, and find joy even in challenging times. And when I’m not writing or teaching life skills to humans big and small, you’ll probably catch me practicing my cartwheel—because joy and playfulness are essential at every age! 🌊✨