Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen falls for aquatic shape-shifter in swoony romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a heartfelt, relatable read that is suitable for younger audiences, featuring cute romance and strong LGBTQIA+ representation. Many reviewers find the age rating of 12+ unjustified, emphasizing that the content is appropriate for kids and that it promotes understanding and acceptance of diverse identities.
- age rating criticism
- LGBTQIA+ representation
- suitable for younger kids
- relatable characters
- heartwarming story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mary Knox Ostertag
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : June 1, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 16
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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