I loved the sound of this book and the beautiful cover, but I’ll confess that I wasn’t sure what to make of the back cover copy. Is Sofia truly a mermaid? Is it something she imagines? Does the sea actually speak to her?

The story has a very literary voice and really blurs the lines between what Sofia imagines and what is actually happening around her. Sometimes, it’s clear that things are in her mind. At other times, there are explanations for things that happen. For example, one night, she sees her grandmother walking on the beach and the sea and places where her grandmother’s steps are glowing. Sofia learns this is because of bioluminescence rather than some magic of her grandmother’s.

At other times, it seems like the magical/inexplicable things are supposed to be actually happening. For instance, a shell spurts water, vibrates, and changes color to express its thoughts/feelings.

I really liked the relationships between the characters in the story. I think all the major characters are female except one. There are some really heartbreaking dynamics between the three generations of women in Sofia’s family. I felt like the story read in an accessible way to kids, but it’s one where older kids or adults will pick up on a lot of things that happen between the lines, too.

This is a pretty short book. I think it’s less than 150 pages, so I read it in one sitting, and I really loved it.

I think readers who enjoy stories with strong female voices and especially stories about the sea or ocean will love this heartbreaking story of family bonds and the transformative power of friendship.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Middle-Grade Contemporary Fiction
Serious Level: It's serious but mostly couched in symbols

I thought this book was beautiful in the symbols of all of us being different sea creatures. And how difficult it must be to be one of only two mermaids.

Sofia's relationship with the sea changes as she spends time with her grandmother. Sometimes, she feels the love of the ocean and at other times is angry at it. I think of how kids who are going through tough things might feel like they are getting thrown about by the sea.

I do wish the story had stayed symbolic because I think the tough matter can be filled in within each readers' mind. However, Sofia learns the cold hard truth of her mother, what her boyfriend was doing, and even the truth of death. This makes it more specific but also in a way less universal. So, that's my personal preference, but I'm sure others will like that it's spelled out.

I recommend this book, but please check the content warnings.

Read this with your child.

This is a beautiful little novel. (I read its 144 pages in one sitting.) Its themes are heartbreaking, but the sea imagery and mermaid metaphors are poetic and make the story feel unique and likely more engaging for the middle-grade reader (though there are some spots that are tough to follow). The cultural themes are a huge plus for adults looking for more diverse reads for their kiddo.

This one was truly beautiful…

Coming in at under 144 pages packing a punch of emotions. It’s sad… and hopeful… descriptive and imaginative. My heart broke reading Sofia’s story within just a few pages you get a sense of what could be someone’s reality and how they cope.

I’m very curious for thoughts from young readers. I think this would have been a hard read for me at that age but also a lesson to be learned.

This is a translated middle grade which now I’m looking for more work translated in this genre.

Stunning!

his book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order next year and will recommend it to students once we have it.