GRACIE UNDER THE WAVES, by Linda Sue Park, Allida, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl’s pesky little brother inspires her to fight climate change in Gracie Under Waves, by Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park.
Inspired by her own experience, author Linda Sue Park tells the story of a girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of a sibling relationship and turning disappointment into opportunity.
Gracie loves snorkeling! She loves it so much, she convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can all snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect. Then 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. What can she do to make a difference? Fortunately, her new friend has a few ideas! —Synopsis provided by Allida
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.
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