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Gracie Under the Waves
An empowering story from #1 New York Times bestseller and Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park starring a young snorkeling enthusiast who draws inspiration for fighting climate change from interacting with her pesty little brother
Snorkeling is the best! Gracie loves floating above underwater reefs, watching colorful fish dart in and out of the coral. She convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect.
Things come to a screeching halt when Gracie hurts her leg, and all her carefully made plans start to come apart. Worse still, she learns the reef itself is in serious danger. Gracie wants to help the reef . . . but she’s just a kid. How can she possibly make a difference?
Inspired by her own experience, Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park tells the engaging tale of a young girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of sibling relationships and turning disappointment into opportunity.
Snorkeling is the best! Gracie loves floating above underwater reefs, watching colorful fish dart in and out of the coral. She convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect.
Things come to a screeching halt when Gracie hurts her leg, and all her carefully made plans start to come apart. Worse still, she learns the reef itself is in serious danger. Gracie wants to help the reef . . . but she’s just a kid. How can she possibly make a difference?
Inspired by her own experience, Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park tells the engaging tale of a young girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of sibling relationships and turning disappointment into opportunity.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2024
About the author
Linda Sue Park
56 books1,120 followersLinda Sue Park is a Korean American author of children's fiction. Park published her first novel, Seesaw Girl, in 1999. To date, she has written six children’s novels and five picture books for younger readers. Park’s work achieved prominence when she received the prestigious 2002 Newbery Medal for her novel A Single Shard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 28, 2024
Gracie has a Plan. A plan that ends with snorkeling in the Maldives with her family but the first step is helping her family see that snorkeling is an activity fun for the whole family, even pesky little brother Ben. After researching a less expensive, closer to home snorkeling location that could be done during the upcoming Spring Break, Gracie discovers the island of Roatan in Honduras and her parents agree!
Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park does a fantastic job of making the sights of Roatan come to life with descriptions filled with wonderful sensory language. As Gracie and her family explore the ocean and the marine park of the island, the destruction of the reefs is gently incorporated into their experiences and by the end, readers will gain a new appreciation for the beauty of the sea and ways that all ages can help protect a habitat that is critical to all our lives. But activism is not the only thread that weaves through this book. Like many middle grade students, Gracie must deal with a high energy, clinging younger sibling and while Ben is not magically fixed, she finds new ways to appreciate him that may give readers some hope in handling their own “barnacles.” New friends, coping with disappointment, and adapting plans and goals when things do not go as expected are other themes in “Gracie Under the Waves.”
Highly recommended for grades 3-6 and with only 197 pages, should be much more approachable for all levels in that age range. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence (except that of man against nature). Representation: Gracie’s family is Korean American, new friend Alina’s family is Hispanic, both families are traditional 2 parent homes with Alina being an only child whose mom must travel for work.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park does a fantastic job of making the sights of Roatan come to life with descriptions filled with wonderful sensory language. As Gracie and her family explore the ocean and the marine park of the island, the destruction of the reefs is gently incorporated into their experiences and by the end, readers will gain a new appreciation for the beauty of the sea and ways that all ages can help protect a habitat that is critical to all our lives. But activism is not the only thread that weaves through this book. Like many middle grade students, Gracie must deal with a high energy, clinging younger sibling and while Ben is not magically fixed, she finds new ways to appreciate him that may give readers some hope in handling their own “barnacles.” New friends, coping with disappointment, and adapting plans and goals when things do not go as expected are other themes in “Gracie Under the Waves.”
Highly recommended for grades 3-6 and with only 197 pages, should be much more approachable for all levels in that age range. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence (except that of man against nature). Representation: Gracie’s family is Korean American, new friend Alina’s family is Hispanic, both families are traditional 2 parent homes with Alina being an only child whose mom must travel for work.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
July 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC! This was a wonderful book to inspire kids to find something they are passionate about, learn about it, and take action to help! We do a special project each year for students to select an issue in the world they care about. They research, write an essay, create a website, and take some sort of action. This book would be very inspirational for them. I plan to use it as a read aloud around the same time as our project to help inspire them. Thank you again for the great story and the opportunity to read it!
June 12, 2024
Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for access to ARC! I enjoyed Gracie’s story and think that it has a lot of teaching points for middle grade students about coral reefs and their ecosystems. Plot was really thick with information which isn’t a bad thing, but may bog down some readers. Overall, I enjoyed it and will share with my readers!
September 19, 2024
Not traditional plot but interesting
I didn't feel like this had a traditional plot with climax and a end goal. Gracie loves snorkeling and just wants her family to take her on a vacation where she can.
They learn about the coral reefs are dying and soon the trip is more than just Gracie wanting to snorkel, but to help.
It's mostly just Gracie and her family having fun and learning with a bit of drama thrown in between Gracie and her brother.
The illustrations were beautiful and helped bring the ocean life and dangers to life.
I didn't feel like this had a traditional plot with climax and a end goal. Gracie loves snorkeling and just wants her family to take her on a vacation where she can.
They learn about the coral reefs are dying and soon the trip is more than just Gracie wanting to snorkel, but to help.
It's mostly just Gracie and her family having fun and learning with a bit of drama thrown in between Gracie and her brother.
The illustrations were beautiful and helped bring the ocean life and dangers to life.
October 18, 2024
A delightful, quick read, recommended for 3rd to 6th grades. Gracie loves to snorkel and plan things. She does a lot of travel research to convince her parents to take the family on a spring break trip to the Island of Roatán in Honduras, where she looks forward to snorkeling for a week. She wants her pesky little brother to learn to love snorkeling too, so that one day she might convince her parents to take a big trio to the. Alice’s for snorkeling. Once on Roatán, the family connects with a local family who are working to preserve the coral reefs against climate change and man-made destruction. Through her new friend Alina, Gracie learns more about the coral reefs than she ever knew and her passions grow. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a preview.
October 3, 2024
Feisty, head-strong ten-year-old Gracie Kim loves to snorkel. Her dream is to travel from her home in Upstate New York to the Maldives but her dream must change venues to the affordable Roatán, Honduras for a family snorkeling vacation. With her overly inquisitive six-year-old little brother Ben a constant thorn in her side, Gracie researches hotels and the local snorkeling experience. Her parents agree to the escapade. There's a wrench in the works when Gracie's leg becomes badly infected from a cut from the jagged coral. She becomes deeply upset to learn she must stay out of the water for a few days until her leg heals enough for her to continue living her dream. Gracie learns about marine life, the coral reef biome, ocean facts and the precariousness of the balance of nature now that the effects of climate change can no longer be ignored.
Gracie meets Alina, whose family runs the Roatán Marine Park, and friendships form between the families. Gracie learns that coral reefs are in trouble from plastic garbage pollution in the world's oceans, overfishing, marine diseases, irresponsible boating, scuba diving and swimming, and toxic industrial run-off. This reduces and alters the marine habitat, resulting in a desperate effort for survival.
"... Because of the vast diversity of life in coral reefs, they were essential to the overall health of the oceans. and the health of the oceans was crucial to life everywhere.
Everywhere.
On land as well as in the oceans. And not just the coastlines and islands, but on all the continents.. The oceans affected everything on land from the weather and the climate to energy production and the food chain.
It was all connected. If the reefs dies, most of the life in the oceans would die.
If the ocean life died, the whole planet would suffer."
This book certainly heightens awareness of the effects of climate change, especially for middle grade students. There is a lot of tell rather than show. Too much is made of the annoying little brother but the author does use this as a means to present important science facts. The annoying brother has all the good lines! This book is written in the third person which I believe is much less effective than the customary first person point of view generally used by middle grade authors. Boring story but great science facts!
Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites @earthlink.net
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
All rights reserved 2024
Gracie meets Alina, whose family runs the Roatán Marine Park, and friendships form between the families. Gracie learns that coral reefs are in trouble from plastic garbage pollution in the world's oceans, overfishing, marine diseases, irresponsible boating, scuba diving and swimming, and toxic industrial run-off. This reduces and alters the marine habitat, resulting in a desperate effort for survival.
"... Because of the vast diversity of life in coral reefs, they were essential to the overall health of the oceans. and the health of the oceans was crucial to life everywhere.
Everywhere.
On land as well as in the oceans. And not just the coastlines and islands, but on all the continents.. The oceans affected everything on land from the weather and the climate to energy production and the food chain.
It was all connected. If the reefs dies, most of the life in the oceans would die.
If the ocean life died, the whole planet would suffer."
This book certainly heightens awareness of the effects of climate change, especially for middle grade students. There is a lot of tell rather than show. Too much is made of the annoying little brother but the author does use this as a means to present important science facts. The annoying brother has all the good lines! This book is written in the third person which I believe is much less effective than the customary first person point of view generally used by middle grade authors. Boring story but great science facts!
Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites @earthlink.net
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
All rights reserved 2024
July 22, 2024
Gracie loves snorkeling and would love to visit the Maldives which are known for their amazing reefs and beautiful fish. The trip is long and expensive, which makes it not so attainable for Gracie's family which includes her parents and younger brother Ben. She does her research and discovers Roatan, Honduras might be a great starter vacation for her family to snorkel and get experience. The trip begins wonderfully, but Gracie has an injury that might keep her out of the water for the rest of the vacation. Will Gracie be able begin her journey to the Maldives if she can't successfully complete this trip first?
I received this as an ARC from the publisher at an event for school and public librarians. A novel by Linda Sue Park is always going to be an interesting read and this new title was no exception. The themes in the book work well for middle grade readers with family, friendship, and self-discovery as the main issues that Gracie works through on this trip. The story was compelling, as the reader will learn along with Gracie more about reefs and the environmental issues that are threatening them. Gracie also learns how to solve common issues like dealing with a younger sibling and how to positively present her frustrations to her parents.
I would recommend this book for purchase to any public or school library.
I received this as an ARC from the publisher at an event for school and public librarians. A novel by Linda Sue Park is always going to be an interesting read and this new title was no exception. The themes in the book work well for middle grade readers with family, friendship, and self-discovery as the main issues that Gracie works through on this trip. The story was compelling, as the reader will learn along with Gracie more about reefs and the environmental issues that are threatening them. Gracie also learns how to solve common issues like dealing with a younger sibling and how to positively present her frustrations to her parents.
I would recommend this book for purchase to any public or school library.
September 8, 2024
Linda Sue Park has given us a short, sweet novel about a middle school girl named Gracie who has a passion for the ocean, in particular snorkeling. Her dream is to snorkel in The Maldives, but realizes that trip is out of reach for now. Gracie intently researches snorkeling beaches and finds Roatan in Honduras. After sharing her plans, her parents book the trip!
This book is perfect for readers who are interested in climate change or ocean preservation. I enjoyed learning all about coral reefs, the diversity of marine life and marine ecology, along with information about ocean preservation. Gracie is a realistic 12 year old that readers of this age will relate. She gets highly frustrated with her energetic younger brother, Ben. She becomes disappointed when an incident prevents her from going into the water for a few days. She jumps into action when a bloom of jellyfish become a threat. Anyone with younger siblings can empathize with her struggles and triumphs of being the older sibling. I appreciated how Park portrayed the loving parents who acknowledged that they inadvertently were asking too much of their daughter in her role with Ben. I think this book will appeal to lot of readers, and will serve to educate as well as entertain.
This book is perfect for readers who are interested in climate change or ocean preservation. I enjoyed learning all about coral reefs, the diversity of marine life and marine ecology, along with information about ocean preservation. Gracie is a realistic 12 year old that readers of this age will relate. She gets highly frustrated with her energetic younger brother, Ben. She becomes disappointed when an incident prevents her from going into the water for a few days. She jumps into action when a bloom of jellyfish become a threat. Anyone with younger siblings can empathize with her struggles and triumphs of being the older sibling. I appreciated how Park portrayed the loving parents who acknowledged that they inadvertently were asking too much of their daughter in her role with Ben. I think this book will appeal to lot of readers, and will serve to educate as well as entertain.
November 17, 2024
This is a quick read about Gracie, a girl that loves snorkeling through coral reefs. She really wants to go to the Maldives, but figures that would be too expensive, so looks up closer places, and then begins a campaign to persuade her parents to take her to Honduras.
Through mishaps, and accidents, as well as wonderful swims, she meets up with people that know about the local ecology, and how coral reefs are having problems with climate change. She is told to watch a movie on it, and is appalled at how this beautiful world that she loves so much could be gone.
The author based the book on her own experience when in Honduras. It is not preachy. It is has wonderful pictures of the fish she sees, and well as the coral. It talks about ways to save, help regrow, and protect the coral we have now, and hopefully in the future. To make the story fun, with such grim sadness, Gracies six-year-old brother, is there to say things that are both annoying and very smart.
Most enjoyable read.
Through mishaps, and accidents, as well as wonderful swims, she meets up with people that know about the local ecology, and how coral reefs are having problems with climate change. She is told to watch a movie on it, and is appalled at how this beautiful world that she loves so much could be gone.
The author based the book on her own experience when in Honduras. It is not preachy. It is has wonderful pictures of the fish she sees, and well as the coral. It talks about ways to save, help regrow, and protect the coral we have now, and hopefully in the future. To make the story fun, with such grim sadness, Gracies six-year-old brother, is there to say things that are both annoying and very smart.
Most enjoyable read.
September 21, 2024
This fantastic book weaves together a story about ocean ecology with elements of sibling rivalry, friendship, and adapting plans. Gracie has planned the perfect family vacation, snorkeling in Honduras. The author sets the scene with descriptive passages that make the reader feel as if they were a tourist, experiencing the sights for themselves. Introducing her little brother to the sport is her first step in getting the family to plan a trip to the number one snoring location, the Maldives. But things don't exactly go as planned. Gracie is shocked when she sees extensive damage to a coral reef. When she makes friends with the daughter of a coral reef expert, she learns first hand about the fact that coral is endangered. And soon this location becomes important to Gracie for its own reef, instead of mere str=ep to a bigger plan. Park manages to provide a lot of information without slowing down the narrative. When Gracie becomes injured, she needs to make a plan b for part of her vacation. In the meantime, she is frustrated by her little brother who clings to her like a barnacle. The novel addresses these feelings that so many readers will identify with. The book provides an entertaining diversion for kids and packs in a lot of lessons for those interested in the environment. I received an electronic advance copy, but I can honestly recommend this book to any middle grade reader.
October 16, 2024
Very cute book! Reminds me a lot of Ramona and Bezus or Ramona the pest at times. Some good themes are friendship, perseverance, even when things don’t go according to plan they can still be good, family, and you can make a difference.
My only hesitation is it is kind of emotionally manipulative for the age level it is intended for. Yes, the reefs need protecting 100%. And yes, kids can make a difference 100%. But throwing around the 97% stat for 1 reef, having our heroine cry over it and talk about how there may not be any reefs when she grows up, and then having her do a program to raise money for them…well. Again, good on the surface and kids that age love activism (which is awesome). But this felt more manipulating their emotions to try to get them to set up a fund raiser at the end than just telling a story about how one kid can make a difference.
All that to say, proceed with caution:)
My only hesitation is it is kind of emotionally manipulative for the age level it is intended for. Yes, the reefs need protecting 100%. And yes, kids can make a difference 100%. But throwing around the 97% stat for 1 reef, having our heroine cry over it and talk about how there may not be any reefs when she grows up, and then having her do a program to raise money for them…well. Again, good on the surface and kids that age love activism (which is awesome). But this felt more manipulating their emotions to try to get them to set up a fund raiser at the end than just telling a story about how one kid can make a difference.
All that to say, proceed with caution:)
November 19, 2024
Gracie loves snorkeling even more than she loves planning! Her dream is to go to the Maldives, but she realizes her parents are more likely to take a family trip much closer. After a bit of research, she puts together the idea for family vacation to Roatán, Honduras over spring break. The snorkeling there is more amazing than she imagined, even with her loud and demanding younger brother. They meet up with some local scientists, one of whom has a daughter her age. When an unexpected injury puts a crimp in her snorkeling plans, this new friendship helps save the trip. Lots of great facts about the importance of coral reefs and the fish who live there. Many young readers are going to want to join Gracie on her quest to save the coral reefs. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
May 22, 2024
A MG clifi book about a girl who loves to snorkel.
🤿
It’s been a while since Gracie went snorkeling so when the chance to bring up the topic of their next family vacation destination, Gracie convinced her parents and younger brother, Ben, to go to Honduras. While there Gracie meets a new friend who teaches her about the coral reef and how it’s endangered. As Gracie learns more about climate change and its effect on the reefs, the more passionate she becomes.
🤿
This was a sweet early middle grade novel about protecting the ocean, how to do with overwhelming emotions and how one’s passion can guide their studies and future. This title releases September 17!
CW: injuries, climate change (theme)
🤿
It’s been a while since Gracie went snorkeling so when the chance to bring up the topic of their next family vacation destination, Gracie convinced her parents and younger brother, Ben, to go to Honduras. While there Gracie meets a new friend who teaches her about the coral reef and how it’s endangered. As Gracie learns more about climate change and its effect on the reefs, the more passionate she becomes.
🤿
This was a sweet early middle grade novel about protecting the ocean, how to do with overwhelming emotions and how one’s passion can guide their studies and future. This title releases September 17!
CW: injuries, climate change (theme)
September 18, 2024
Gracie Under Waves is a warm novel with themes of climate change, family, friendship and sibling dynamics.
Gracie is a spunky main character who knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got flaws, and a little brother who gets on her nerves, both of which will endear her to readers.
One of the book’s biggest draws is the snorkeling element, and Linda Sue Park does a great job transporting you to the ocean floor. Park incorporates a lot of science/environmental issues here that many readers will find fascinating and would work well with different units within school curriculums.
Gracie Under Waves is a fairly short novel (176 pages) that moves quickly. It will particularly appeal to kids that enjoy a good story without all the tween drama/angst.
Gracie is a spunky main character who knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got flaws, and a little brother who gets on her nerves, both of which will endear her to readers.
One of the book’s biggest draws is the snorkeling element, and Linda Sue Park does a great job transporting you to the ocean floor. Park incorporates a lot of science/environmental issues here that many readers will find fascinating and would work well with different units within school curriculums.
Gracie Under Waves is a fairly short novel (176 pages) that moves quickly. It will particularly appeal to kids that enjoy a good story without all the tween drama/angst.
October 16, 2024
Park never disappoints. Gracie loves to snorkel and has dreams of snorkeling in the Maldives. As a step toward that goal, she researches and presents a plan for her family to spend spring break in Roatan, Honduras. Her parents surprise her with tickets and a plan to do this. The remainder of the book is set in Roatan. Readers see her frustrations with her younger brother and will relate to family dynamics. When she is injured on the reef, they will share her sadness that she can't be in the water and will also feel her pain after her angry outburst. By the end, everyone will conquer fears and heal. I appreciate Park's message about the coral reefs and love that she wove this through the story. A terrific read aloud and starting point for students to learn more about saving the reefs.
November 14, 2024
It's a simple story. A girl who has a love and passion for snorkeling finds a way to convince her parents to travel to Roatan to snorkel. She discovers that there is so much beauty and wonder to behold, however the climate is affecting that beauty and it's frustrating her-- just like her little brother. She ends up having to sit out of some of the dives because of an infection but also uses her smarts to help her brother out of his own diving mishap with jellyfish.
It's a book with a message, a sweet main character, and a very literal storyline. I dare say (and not in a derogatory way) an easy read. Seeing the full publication will be nice since the advanced copy only has sketches where pictures will be which will certainly enhance it's appeal as evidenced by the vibrant front cover.
It's a book with a message, a sweet main character, and a very literal storyline. I dare say (and not in a derogatory way) an easy read. Seeing the full publication will be nice since the advanced copy only has sketches where pictures will be which will certainly enhance it's appeal as evidenced by the vibrant front cover.
October 23, 2024
Gracie loves snorkeling and knows her family trip to Honduras will be amazing, but when her little brother won't stop badgering her for attention, she injures her leg and can't get it wet, and learns about the danger the coral reefs are in, she isn't sure anything is going according to her plan. Gracie's brother's nonstop chatter accurately depicts some younger family members, and older siblings will relate. The snorkeling activity is unique and may inspire some readers to try it out. Facts about global warming and dying reefs are nicely blended into a story, but also educate. Readers will also want Gracie's parents to take them on trips!
October 23, 2024
A brisk middle grade novel that addresses coral reef loss through the eyes of Gracie, a girl who loves snorkeling. A family trip to Honduras gives Gracie a chance to snorkel - and to learn about the threats to the reefs. Not at all preachy, the novel spools out the learning through Gracie's eyes.
Gracie has a little brother who displays characteristics of an autistic child, at times endearing and frustrating. Some of that story line is a little sloggy, but not enough to weigh down the narrative.
Gracie has a little brother who displays characteristics of an autistic child, at times endearing and frustrating. Some of that story line is a little sloggy, but not enough to weigh down the narrative.
April 7, 2024
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This is a fascinating story by this amazing author! Gracie’s passion is snorkeling, so she’s thrilled when her family agrees to vacation in a prime location for this activity- off the coast of Honduras. The trip doesn’t go as expected when she’s injured, but it’s still a great experience. I learned so much, particularly about environmental issues, without it feeling “heavy handed” or artificial.
This is a fascinating story by this amazing author! Gracie’s passion is snorkeling, so she’s thrilled when her family agrees to vacation in a prime location for this activity- off the coast of Honduras. The trip doesn’t go as expected when she’s injured, but it’s still a great experience. I learned so much, particularly about environmental issues, without it feeling “heavy handed” or artificial.
April 9, 2024
Gracie, a young snorkeling enthusiast, convinces her parents to take her and her brother to Honduras for a snorkeling vacation. Everything starts out great, but when Gracie hurts her leg and has to stay out of the water for a few days, she gets the chance to learn a lot about coral reefs. There's a lot of information for young readers, but the book reads like it has an educational mission. Review from e-galley.
September 13, 2024
Gracie loves to snorkel but living in Western New York makes it difficult. She convinces her family to take a trip to Honduras so she can once again snorkel. This is a quick book with a great environmental message. At times it felt didactic, and therefore I think more sophisticated readers might be turned off by the story. For that reason, I think the audience for this book is 2nd-4th graders. ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.
September 26, 2024
This book was a fun book to read. Gracie is a delightful character who loves snorkeling and wants her younger brother to love it too. Gracie makes a plan to persuade her parents to go to Honduras as a spring break trip as a family because of the great snorkeling. Not only does the book educate some on the coral and the ecosystem and global warming, but does offer what we can do to help save the coral.
October 6, 2024
Always love diving (no pun intended) into literature about social issues especially when written for today’s youth. As a teacher, I used Linda Su Park’s book A Long Walk to Water to talk to my students about the need for clean water (SDG Goal 6) in under developed countries on Earth alongside resources from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Gracie Under the Waves is another great gem to talk to youth about life under water (SDG Goal 14), specifically our coral reefs.
Gracie Under the Waves is another great gem to talk to youth about life under water (SDG Goal 14), specifically our coral reefs.
October 10, 2024
For the right reader, this book will be catnip -- it's all about snorkeling and reefs and learning about climate change and fish and corals. I love how empowering it is, too -- Gracie thinks deeply about how to accomplish her goals and plans, and is convincing to her parents. I also appreciate that the sibling dynamic is hard to navigate and the conversation becomes about setting boundaries, which is healthy for everyone. It's a slow burn book, with a lot of passion and heart and kindness.
June 27, 2024
Your underwater adventurers (and hopefuls) will love this one!
So will kiddos who are interested in conservation, climate change, activism and underwater life forms.
Park realistically portrays the sibling relationship.
Not only a perfect summer read, but one that will interest kids all year round!
(Side note: I thought the length was great for a middle grade read as well!)
So will kiddos who are interested in conservation, climate change, activism and underwater life forms.
Park realistically portrays the sibling relationship.
Not only a perfect summer read, but one that will interest kids all year round!
(Side note: I thought the length was great for a middle grade read as well!)
October 10, 2024
Solid book for kids interested in conservation. Lots of facts about how reefs are affected by climate change, but Linda Sue Park was able to include them in a way that didn’t disrupt the flow.
I liked the realistic, but sweet sibling relationship. Also appreciate that the kids had appropriate limits on their technology use!
I liked the realistic, but sweet sibling relationship. Also appreciate that the kids had appropriate limits on their technology use!
October 17, 2024
I was so happy to see a new book by the outstanding children’s author, Linda Sue Park.
A completely contemporary book about ecology, in this case a family traveling to Honduras and learning about the coral reefs there.
Would be an excellent read-aloud in the classroom, or a book to enjoy on one’s own.
A completely contemporary book about ecology, in this case a family traveling to Honduras and learning about the coral reefs there.
Would be an excellent read-aloud in the classroom, or a book to enjoy on one’s own.
July 13, 2024
ARC review: interesting and well-written story about a girl who loves snorkeling and learns about endangered reefs while on a family vacation in Honduras. Lots of environmental info, which is great, but also felt didactic at times. I also struggled to like the younger brother.
August 27, 2024
I read Gracie Under the Waves on my long honeymoon flight to Greece and I was so sad when I finished it so quickly! I absolutely love A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park; it is currently one of our sixth-grade read-aloud books. I was thrilled to see that she was coming out with a new book this September and knew I wanted to read it as soon as I could.
Gracie loves everything about the ocean and snorkeling even though she has only been a few times. She loved it so much, however, that she decides to plan and pitch a family vacation that would provide her an opportunity to snorkel again. When her parents agree to take the family to Roatán, an island in Honduras, she is thrilled to be able to do what she has been dreaming of.
Throughout the story, Gracie deals with her hyperactive younger brother Ben who seems to be causing her trouble at every opportunity. She also meets new friends who help her learn all about coral reefs, the damage being done to them, and how people are trying to help preserve marine life across the world.
I really loved how easy it was to empathize with Gracie while reading. As an older sibling myself, I could feel both her frustration and protectiveness towards her brother who absolutely adores her and just wants to be around her all of the time. I also feel that there is just enough scientific terminology and information in the book that it doesn’t feel overwhelming to younger readers.
I am so excited for this book to be published! It provides so many opportunities for discussion about climate change and tie ins with nonfiction pieces - perfect for our new standards. I’m also already brainstorming how to get a school-wide fundraiser going to help save and support the coral reefs. I am excited to showcase Gracie Under the Waves during my Environment / Climate Change monthly reading theme in January.
*This title will be available for purchase as of September 17, 2024, but was read with early access courtesy of @netgalley and @harpercollinschin*
For more book reviews, follow me on Instagram @readlearncreate
Gracie loves everything about the ocean and snorkeling even though she has only been a few times. She loved it so much, however, that she decides to plan and pitch a family vacation that would provide her an opportunity to snorkel again. When her parents agree to take the family to Roatán, an island in Honduras, she is thrilled to be able to do what she has been dreaming of.
Throughout the story, Gracie deals with her hyperactive younger brother Ben who seems to be causing her trouble at every opportunity. She also meets new friends who help her learn all about coral reefs, the damage being done to them, and how people are trying to help preserve marine life across the world.
I really loved how easy it was to empathize with Gracie while reading. As an older sibling myself, I could feel both her frustration and protectiveness towards her brother who absolutely adores her and just wants to be around her all of the time. I also feel that there is just enough scientific terminology and information in the book that it doesn’t feel overwhelming to younger readers.
I am so excited for this book to be published! It provides so many opportunities for discussion about climate change and tie ins with nonfiction pieces - perfect for our new standards. I’m also already brainstorming how to get a school-wide fundraiser going to help save and support the coral reefs. I am excited to showcase Gracie Under the Waves during my Environment / Climate Change monthly reading theme in January.
*This title will be available for purchase as of September 17, 2024, but was read with early access courtesy of @netgalley and @harpercollinschin*
For more book reviews, follow me on Instagram @readlearncreate
October 8, 2024
I wish Ben wasn't so annoying...
The length is great for the newer chapter book reader with a straightforward and interesting plot.
Read-alike = Legends of Lotus Island, but with a little less adventure and fewer character.
The length is great for the newer chapter book reader with a straightforward and interesting plot.
Read-alike = Legends of Lotus Island, but with a little less adventure and fewer character.
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