Lobster Boy by Rodman Philbrick
Skiff Beaman has a problem. A BIG problem. He needs to fix up his family's fishing boat, but to do that he needs money. A whole heap of money. His father isn't going to help - he can't see further than the next can of beer since Skiff's mother died - and nor is his classmate, Tyler, inventor of the nickname Lobster Boy. But Skiff can still hear his mother's voice telling him Never give up. So he comes up with a plan. It's crazy, it's dangerous, and it's going to take all Skiff's grit and strength to win a great battle against the sea. An inspirational and compelling action-packed tale by the internationally bestselling author, Rodman Philbrick.