CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Graciela in the Abyss

by Meg Medina

CCBC Review:

On her 13th birthday, Graciela (Latine) falls from a bluff into the sea and drowns. When she awakens 100 years later, it is to the calming presence of Amina, her spirit guide in the underwater world. As a sea spirit, Graciela works as a glazier, creating sea glass from trash, whereas Amina aspires to become an Alma, a “ruler of the sea realm.” Graciela dreads losing her friend to the Almas, so when she unexpectedly intercepts the Almas’ invitation to Amina, she hides their note. Graciela’s story alternates with that of Jorge (Latine), a living boy who stumbles upon a harpoon with a driftwood grip that resembles a horrified face caught mid-scream. As it turns out, the harpoon belonged to an unscrupulous ancestor who attempted to lance sea spirits and harvest the pearls their teeth had become. Graciela’s, Jorge’s, and Amina’s paths intersect as Jorge, in a disintegrating dinghy, flings the harpoon into the sea to prevent it being used by his greedy parents. He and Graciela, with some help from Amina and the Almas, must recover the harpoon, properly destroy it, and return Jorge to the safety of land. Rich worldbuilding and a fairy-tale ambience make for a magical, fast-paced fantasy adventure. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Anna Balbusso, Elena Balbusso

CCBC Age Recommendation: 9-13
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format: Novel
Subjects: Action/Adventure Fantasy Folk and Fairy Tales Journeys and Quests Secrets
Diversity subject: Latine
On CCBC Booklists: Fantasy for 8 to 12 Year Olds: Giants, Journeys, and Other Imaginings Fantastic Fiction: Great Fantasy Books for Ages 11 to 17

Publisher: Candlewick
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 236
ISBN: 9781536219456
CCBC Location: Fiction, Medina

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