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Parents' Guide to

The Girl from the Sea

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Teen falls for aquatic shape-shifter in swoony romance.

Book Molly Knox Ostertag Graphic Novel 2021
The Girl from the Sea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

LittleMissLibrary
LittleMissLibrary Adult
February 23, 2022
age 10+
No sex, no swearing -- honestly, I think it fell victim to the "It's LGBT, so lets review it only for teens," trap. 5th graders and mature 4th graders will still have fun with this one -- the focus is on friendships, a sense of self, and the battle between the two. Romance is light, and entirely based around hand holdings, and a kiss or two. If you have a kiddo who enjoys Real Friends/BestFriends, New Kid, or Click, this is a comparable graphic novel.
ana_luz
ana_luz Adult
December 20, 2021
age 14+
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As THE GIRL FROM THE SEA opens, 15-year-old Morgan is saved from drowning by a shape-shifting selkie named Keltie. They feel an immediate romantic connection and share a passionate kiss. Morgan's friends can't understand why she's acting strangely, and her brother starts snooping around. Morgan must rethink how she views the world and herself, before Keltie returns to the ocean.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (12 ):

Selkies are an important aspect of Celtic folklore, and this swoony romance between a human girl and an aquatic shape-shifter gives the myth a modern twist. Author/illustrator Molly Knox Ostertag doesn't waste much time wondering will-they-or-won't-they? In The Girl from the Sea, she has Morgan and Keltie develop a romantic relationship in a short amount of time, and readers will enjoy how they communicate with each other and grow emotionally closer. The artwork is open and accessible, and Ostertag steers away from meanness and snark, instead presenting characters who support each other in their decisions about life and love. The Girl from the Sea is a perfect summertime treat -- heartfelt and touched by magic.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Girl from the Sea uses ancient folklore to tell a modern story. Where do you think folktales about selkies and mermaids come from? What purpose do you think these legends serve?

  • Why do young people have trouble telling their friends and family about their feelings for other girls? How can kids support their LBGTQ friends?

  • Is it really possible to plan your life for almost a decade? How can you plan for the unexpected?

Book Details

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