Set against the backdrop of Caribbean folklore, Lisa Stringfellowās spellbinding middle grade debut tells of a grieving girl and a vengeful mermaid and will enchant readers who loved Kacen Callenderās Hurricane Child or Christian McKay Heidickerās Scary Stories for Young Foxes.
Ever since her motherās death, Kela feels every bit as broken as the shards of glass, known as āmermaidās tears,ā that sparkle on the Caribbean beaches of St. Rita. So when Kela and her friend Lissy stumble across an ancient-looking comb in a coral cave, with all sheās already lost, Kela canāt help but bring home her very own found treasure.
Far away, deep in the cold ocean, the mermaid Ophidia can feel that her comb has been taken. And despite her hatred of all humans, her magic requires that she make a bargain: the comb in exchange for a wish.
But what Kela wants most is for her mother to be alive. And a wish that big will exact an even bigger priceā¦
Donāt miss the novel that Newbery-winning author Kelly Barnhill calls āone of the most promising works of fiction in a long timeā!