
By Linda Sue Park
Allida / HarperCollins, 2024
978-0-8075-7714-1
Ages 8-11
Sixth grader Gracie’s dream is to snorkel in the Maldives, but for now she’s thrilled that her parents agree on a family spring break trip to Roatán in Honduras, where there is a marine park. Even her little brother Ben, who can be exhausting, can’t dim her enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Gracie (Korean American) cuts her leg on coral on her first dive after Ben accidentally bumps into her. The wound becomes infected, keeping her out of the water for several days. Gracie knows it was an accident, but her feelings bubble over into anger when her disappointment at not being able to snorkel twines with her resentment at feeling she has to accommodate Ben (who is likely neurodivergent) so often. On the bright side is her budding friendship with Alina, who lives in Roatán. Alina’s mom is a marine biologist (currently doing research in the Maldives!) while her dad is an engineer working on protecting and regrowing coral at the marine park. Alina and her dad not only provide Gracie and her family with wonderful experiences in Roatán, they also help them understand the threats to coral around the world, the marine park’s efforts to grow new coral, and things Gracie and her family can do to help protect it. This breezy yet purposeful story features captivating descriptions of marine life and sees Gracie and her family learning more about caring for the ocean and listening to one another. ©2024 Cooperative Children’s Book Center