About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to question authority or feels the weight of a responsibility they did not ask for. It is an ideal choice for the child who is ready to transition from traditional fantasy into more complex science fiction, offering a bridge between the familiar wonder of mer-people and the gritty reality of a high-tech future. Aluna, a girl living in an undersea colony, discovers that the technology keeping her people alive is failing. Against the strict orders of her elders, she and her tech-savvy friend Hoku journey to the surface to find answers. The story tackles themes of environmental collapse, the ethics of genetic modification, and the courage required to challenge a status quo that is no longer working. It is a fast-paced adventure that rewards curiosity and critical thinking, making it a perfect fit for 10 to 14 year olds who are navigating their own growing independence.
