Mermaids are having a moment. And is it any wonder? Even I want to be a mermaid right now, what with all this gross humidity in the city.
But seriously—one reason I read is to escape, and summer is the perfect time to escape into a world where mermaids are real (and might even be hanging out on land!). Good thing there are lots of wonderful books out there about mermaids!
Here are some of my favorites:
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman: For the YA readers out there, this is the mermaid-ish book for you. It follows 16-year-old Miranda, who's spending her summer on Selkie Island. (The name of the island is a pretty big hint.) Between the strange history of the island and her interactions with the charming and mysterious Leo, she's in for a pretty unexpected summer!
Mermaid Queen by Shana Corey: I'm cheating a little bit here—this book, despite its title, isn't about mermaids, technically. But it is about the real-life adventures of Annette Kellerman, who revolutionized the sport of swimming for women. (Fun fact: she also invented water ballet and modernized the swimsuit!) Bonus: this beautiful picture book is illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, so you know it's gorgeous.
Daughters of the Sea by Kathryn Lasky: This trilogy has it all: sisters who were separated at birth, who also happen to be mermaids. WHUT. My favorite one is book 2, which tells May's story, but the stories of Hannah (book 1) and Lucy (book 2) are must-reads as well!
Real Mermaids Don't... by Hélène Boudreau: You can't talk about mermaid books without talking about the companion novels of Hélène Boudreau: Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings, Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath, Real Mermaids Don't Need High Heels, and Real Mermaids Don't Sell Sea Shells. Jade, the main character, is a hoot. (She's also a mermaid, in case that wasn't clear.)
The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson: Okay, now we're turning to the dark side of mermaids. This middle grade novel follows Adrianne, who comes face-to-face with the mermaid of Windwaithe Island—notorious among Adrianne's seaside town. In fact, the mermaid is so feared that her community believes Adrianne must sacrifice herself to the sea to protect them all. *drops mic*
Mermaid Dreams by Mark Sperring, illustrated by the Pope Twins: While I'm inclined to love any book where "twins" are listed as co-creators (I am one!), the truth is this book is sweet and so great for the younger mermaid-lovers among us. It's a soothing good-night tale and I can't wait to read it to my baby girl, which I will do just as soon as she stops eating books.
The Marvelous Book of Magical Mermaids from Klutz: Once you finish reading all these mermaid tales (tails?), have some crafty fun with Klutz! Here's a super book that comes with six paper mermaids and everything you need to dress them up and play. There are sparkles for days!
Hope you enjoy these atmospheric mermaid books as much as I do, readers!
