Gracie Under the Waves

by Linda Sue Park

An empowering story from #1 New York Times bestseller and Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park starring a young snorkeling enthusiast who draws inspiration for fighting climate change from interacting with her pesty little brother

Snorkeling is the best! Gracie loves floating above underwater reefs, watching colorful fish dart in and out of the coral. She convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect.

Things come to a screeching halt when Gracie hurts her leg, and all her carefully made plans start to come apart. Worse still, she learns the reef itself is in serious danger. Gracie wants to help the reef . . . but she’s just a kid. How can she possibly make a difference?

Inspired by her own experience, Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park tells the engaging tale of a young girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of sibling relationships and turning disappointment into opportunity.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Family, Animals, Contemporary, Nature, Fiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2024

About the author

Linda Sue Park is a Korean American author of children's fiction. Park published her first novel, Seesaw Girl, in 1999. To date, she has written six children’s novels and five picture books for younger readers. Park’s work achieved prominence when she received the prestigious 2002 Newbery Medal for her novel A Single Shard.

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie has a Plan. A plan that ends with snorkeling in the Maldives with her family but the first step is helping her family see that snorkeling is an activity fun for the whole family, even pesky little brother Ben. After researching a less expensive, closer to home snorkeling location that could be done during the upcoming Spring Break, Gracie discovers the island of Roatan in Honduras and her parents agree!

Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park does a fantastic job of making the sights of Roatan come to life with descriptions filled with wonderful sensory language. As Gracie and her family explore the ocean and the marine park of the island, the destruction of the reefs is gently incorporated into their experiences and by the end, readers will gain a new appreciation for the beauty of the sea and ways that all ages can help protect a habitat that is critical to all our lives. But activism is not the only thread that weaves through this book. Like many middle grade students, Gracie must deal with a high energy, clinging younger sibling and while Ben is not magically fixed, she finds new ways to appreciate him that may give readers some hope in handling their own “barnacles.” New friends, coping with disappointment, and adapting plans and goals when things do not go as expected are other themes in “Gracie Under the Waves.”

Highly recommended for grades 3-6 and with only 197 pages, should be much more approachable for all levels in that age range. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence (except that of man against nature). Representation: Gracie’s family is Korean American, new friend Alina’s family is Hispanic, both families are traditional 2 parent homes with Alina being an only child whose mom must travel for work.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC! This was a wonderful book to inspire kids to find something they are passionate about, learn about it, and take action to help! We do a special project each year for students to select an issue in the world they care about. They research, write an essay, create a website, and take some sort of action. This book would be very inspirational for them. I plan to use it as a read aloud around the same time as our project to help inspire them. Thank you again for the great story and the opportunity to read it!

[Rachel Hibdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for access to ARC! I enjoyed Gracie’s story and think that it has a lot of teaching points for middle grade students about coral reefs and their ecosystems. Plot was really thick with information which isn’t a bad thing, but may bog down some readers. Overall, I enjoyed it and will share with my readers!

[Rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not traditional plot but interesting

I didn't feel like this had a traditional plot with climax and a end goal. Gracie loves snorkeling and just wants her family to take her on a vacation where she can.
They learn about the coral reefs are dying and soon the trip is more than just Gracie wanting to snorkel, but to help.
It's mostly just Gracie and her family having fun and learning with a bit of drama thrown in between Gracie and her brother.
The illustrations were beautiful and helped bring the ocean life and dangers to life.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving middle grade novel about a young girl who loves to snorkel and how she falls in love with climate change activism while on a trip with her family to Roatán, Honduras. Educational and heartfelt, this book has a great message about family, the environment and learning to live with disappointments. It was also good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Saving sunshine by Saadia Faruqi or How to make friends with the sea by Tanya Guerrero.

[chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great middle grade read. I always get along with linda sue park's writing so well- the reading experience skates along like a colorful swath of butter, the writing never talks down to you, and I also felt that childhood was depicted more realistically and less idealistically than a lot of the younger modern chapter books I read for work, which gave me a lot to reflect on.

[Tyra Damm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie convinces her family to spend spring break in Roatán for a week of snorkeling. Her plans are disrupted by an accident, but she’s able to salvage the vacation by learning more about the island’s barrier reef system and the people who take care of it.

[Patricia Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m reading books for the Green Earth Book Award. This is a children’s novel by the esteemed Linda Sue Park.
It’s perfect for its age group and a definite contender for the award!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that Gracie went to her parents for comfort repeatedly throughout the book and didn't try to hide her pain/emotions.

[Rose Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

who loves the sea will love it

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book - I wish i knew of a 8-12 year old so I could share this book with them! Gracie is obsessed with snorkeling and the family takes a vacation to Honduras where she learns about the coral reefs and the assault they are constantly under. I started with the audio but quickly transitioned to the written version and I am glad I did - the illustrations are great and it's easier to appreciate the little brother dynamic without the audio.

[Polly-Alida · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, quick read, recommended for 3rd to 6th grades. Gracie loves to snorkel and plan things. She does a lot of travel research to convince her parents to take the family on a spring break trip to the Island of Roatán in Honduras, where she looks forward to snorkeling for a week. She wants her pesky little brother to learn to love snorkeling too, so that one day she might convince her parents to take a big trip to the Maldives for snorkeling. Once on Roatán, the family connects with a local family who are working to preserve the coral reefs against climate change and man-made destruction. Through her new friend Alina, Gracie learns more about the coral reefs than she ever knew and her passions grow. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a preview.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Sue Park has given us a short, sweet novel about a middle school girl named Gracie who has a passion for the ocean, in particular snorkeling. Her dream is to snorkel in The Maldives, but realizes that trip is out of reach for now. Gracie intently researches snorkeling beaches and finds Roatan in Honduras. After sharing her plans, her parents book the trip!
This book is perfect for readers who are interested in climate change or ocean preservation. I enjoyed learning all about coral reefs, the diversity of marine life and marine ecology, along with information about ocean preservation. 
Gracie is a realistic 12 year old that readers of this age will relate. She gets highly frustrated with her energetic younger brother, Ben. She becomes disappointed when an incident prevents her from going into the water for a few days. She jumps into action when a bloom of jellyfish become a threat. Anyone with younger siblings can empathize with her struggles and triumphs of being the older sibling. I appreciated how Park portrayed the loving parents who acknowledged that they inadvertently were asking too much of their daughter in her role with Ben. 
I think this book will appeal to lot of readers, and will serve to educate as well as entertain.

[Elaine Donadio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feisty, head-strong ten-year-old Gracie Kim loves to snorkel. Her dream is to travel from her home in Upstate New York to the Maldives but her dream must change venues to the affordable Roatán, Honduras for a family snorkeling vacation. With her overly inquisitive six-year-old little brother Ben a constant thorn in her side, Gracie researches hotels and the local snorkeling experience. Her parents agree to the escapade. There's a wrench in the works when Gracie's leg becomes badly infected from a cut from the jagged coral. She becomes deeply upset to learn she must stay out of the water for a few days until her leg heals enough for her to continue living her dream. Gracie learns about marine life, the coral reef biome, ocean facts and the precariousness of the balance of nature now that the effects of climate change can no longer be ignored.

Gracie meets Alina, whose family runs the Roatán Marine Park, and friendships form between the families. Gracie learns that coral reefs are in trouble from plastic garbage pollution in the world's oceans, overfishing, marine diseases, irresponsible boating, scuba diving and swimming, and toxic industrial run-off. This reduces and alters the marine habitat, resulting in a desperate effort for survival.

"... Because of the vast diversity of life in coral reefs, they were essential to the overall health of the oceans. and the health of the oceans was crucial to life everywhere.
Everywhere.
On land as well as in the oceans. And not just the coastlines and islands, but on all the continents.. The oceans affected everything on land from the weather and the climate to energy production and the food chain.
It was all connected. If the reefs dies, most of the life in the oceans would die.
If the ocean life died, the whole planet would suffer."

This book certainly heightens awareness of the effects of climate change, especially for middle grade students. There is a lot of tell rather than show. Too much is made of the annoying little brother but the author does use this as a means to present important science facts. The annoying brother has all the good lines! This book is written in the third person which I believe is much less effective than the customary first person point of view generally used by middle grade authors. Boring story but great science facts!

Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites @earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2024

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracie Under the Waves is an inspiring and heartwarming story by Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park that will captivate young readers. Aimed at grades 3-5, this book perfectly combines adventure, environmental activism, and relatable personal growth.

Gracie, an enthusiastic young girl who loves snorkeling, is the heart of the story. Her passion for underwater exploration and her dream of protecting coral reefs takes center stage when her family travels to Roatán, Honduras. Gracie’s love for the ocean is contagious, and readers will find themselves just as fascinated by the colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs as she is. However, when her plans are disrupted by a hurt leg and the realization that the reef is in danger, Gracie’s journey transforms into one of overcoming challenges and finding ways to make a difference.

The novel is filled with valuable lessons about the importance of protecting our oceans and the environment, introducing young readers to the delicate ecosystem of coral reefs in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Linda Sue Park weaves in interesting facts about marine life, fostering a greater appreciation for the underwater world and the pressing need to preserve it.

I also loved how it delves into the complexities of sibling relationships. Gracie’s interactions with her pesky little brother add depth and humor to the story, portraying the ups and downs of sibling dynamics in a way that is both realistic and relatable. This also ties into the broader theme of overcoming adversity, as Gracie learns to navigate disappointment, communicate better with her parents, and make new friends along the way.

The book’s message about finding ways, no matter how small, to make a positive impact is a powerful one. It encourages children to believe that their voices matter and that even as kids, they can contribute to solving big challenges like climate change and environmental conservation.

Overall, beautifully written, informative, and thought-provoking story that is perfect for young readers. Whether they are already passionate about the environment or are just beginning to learn about it, this book offers an excellent starting point to inspire change and self-reflection. Highly recommended!

[Martha Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, this one was hard to evaluate. First off, the relationship between the main character and her little brother was very fraught and seemed unhealthy to me -- and the descriptions of it were lengthier than the rest of the content. The parents seem oblivious (until the end), letting Gracie be in charge of soothing a neurodivergent kid, packing his suitcase, entertaining him and generally being this child's caregiver. Reading carefully, I was unable to determine why that issue was front and center. Next, there is a terrifying sequence when Gracie discovers how awful climate change is for reefs in a very brutal way – and she immediately starts running a fever. There is good clear research on how to avoid climate anxiety and promote climate action in kids and the author seems not to know or follow it. Third, the fact that Gracie gets really badly hurt as does her little brother makes snorkeling seem toxic to kids, the opposite of what the author was trying to achieve. The little brother's injuries were the result of parents who took way too long to respond, leaving Gracie to re-injure herself. So I think the book has very good intentions (sharing the love of snorkeling and sharing the experience of visiting a little known but lovely destination for snorkeling) but the execution had more terror and tedium than joy. This book is a slog. The editors certainly did Ms. Park no favors. I love this topic for kids, and this book could have been so good, but this is not the book to share it.

[Munchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly educational and entertaining book about a young girl named Gracie who's into snorkeling, has two supportive parents who enjoy vacations but have realistic expectations, which is refreshing, and a 6 year old brother named Ben who is extremely hyper and can be over the top for Gracie.

The book was so vivid in text, I enjoyed using my imagination based on what I know about coral reefs. The way Gracie describes everything while also educating the reader with names, places, etc, has been fun and I got to see some photos too while reading. They're spread out perfectly in the book for readers to get an idea about the marine life Gracie is talking about.

Gracie travels to Roatan to snorkel and meets the locals who are also passionate about the reef. When she arrives And has her first snorkeling trip with her brother, she's faced with a challenge that later evolves into an even more challenging one that changes her plans. There is a mild danger to the trip which keeps things interesting, and has a very enjoyable ending. You learn a little or a lot from Gracie depending on how well versed you are in marine life and the impacts of climate change. It was refreshing to see a junior read book talk in beautiful details about the environmental impact we humans are having on the corals. And "chasing coral" is a movie that this book speaks about, and it's on Netflix so now I have to check it out!

A solid, well done book I recommend for all readers.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie loves snorkeling and would love to visit the Maldives which are known for their amazing reefs and beautiful fish. The trip is long and expensive, which makes it not so attainable for Gracie's family which includes her parents and younger brother Ben. She does her research and discovers Roatan, Honduras might be a great starter vacation for her family to snorkel and get experience. The trip begins wonderfully, but Gracie has an injury that might keep her out of the water for the rest of the vacation. Will Gracie be able begin her journey to the Maldives if she can't successfully complete this trip first?

I received this as an ARC from the publisher at an event for school and public librarians. A novel by Linda Sue Park is always going to be an interesting read and this new title was no exception. The themes in the book work well for middle grade readers with family, friendship, and self-discovery as the main issues that Gracie works through on this trip. The story was compelling, as the reader will learn along with Gracie more about reefs and the environmental issues that are threatening them. Gracie also learns how to solve common issues like dealing with a younger sibling and how to positively present her frustrations to her parents.

I would recommend this book for purchase to any public or school library.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Park’s newest novel is a blend of family relationships and environmentalism.

Korean-American Gracie loves snorkeling. Her dream is to snorkel in the Maldives, but that is way beyond her family’s budget. She devises a plan for a family snorkeling vacation in Roatan, Honduras over winter break. Her careful, thorough planning impresses her parents and the family heads to Roatan. There, Gracie revels in her snorkeling, but also has to deal with her six-year-old brother, Ben. Ben is loud, demanding, and excitable; he wants to be with Gracie all the time. When Gracie injures her leg, she is restricted from snorkeling. Gracie makes friends with Alina, a native tween who teaches Gracie about the environmental issues facing the coral reefs in Honduras. Can Gracie figure out how to save the coral reefs?

Park does a great job with the setting. She provides a lot of information about Roatan and coral reefs. Several of the characters are well developed. Readers will sympathize with Grace as she tries to deal with Ben and solve the environmental problems of coral reefs. The tone of some of the characters comes across as pushy and didactic. Fans of realistic fiction will enjoy the story.

I Recommend this novel for school and public libraries serving grades four through seven.

M.A.C.
Ret. School Librarian

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read about Gracie, a girl that loves snorkeling through coral reefs. She really wants to go to the Maldives, but figures that would be too expensive, so looks up closer places, and then begins a campaign to persuade her parents to take her to Honduras.

Through mishaps, and accidents, as well as wonderful swims, she meets up with people that know about the local ecology, and how coral reefs are having problems with climate change. She is told to watch a movie on it, and is appalled at how this beautiful world that she loves so much could be gone.

The author based the book on her own experience when in Honduras. It is not preachy. It is has wonderful pictures of the fish she sees, and well as the coral. It talks about ways to save, help regrow, and protect the coral we have now, and hopefully in the future. To make the story fun, with such grim sadness, Gracies six-year-old brother, is there to say things that are both annoying and very smart.

Most enjoyable read.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know how to scuba dive? I am not much of a swimmer. However one of my favorite authors @karinaisreadingandwriting recommended the book Gracie Under The Waves by Linda Sue Parks in October so I put it on Hold.
Here are five quick things I liked about this book:
Beautiful Cover
This is a great book about several environmental issues that impact coral reefs.
Knowledge is Power watch Chasing Coral on Netflix.
Not every situation/ vacation goes the way you plan, you have to make the best of it. Look for the bright side.
The book is a great example of dealing with little siblings.

I loved the curiosity of the character, Gracie, as she learned about new fish. I was constantly googling so I could see what the fish looked like. I know readers who have an interest in the environment or nature will love this book. There is so much to learn about coral reefs. Gracie Under the Waves is a wonderful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book about nature, friendship, family and making the most out of each opportunity whether it is positive or negative.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I usually like reading kids' books but this one was off-putting from the start. Right away, the little brother Ben is beyond annoying! Not annoying just to main character, Gracie, but to me, the reader. I wanted to read about a snorkeling adventure and environmental action - not adventures in managing a hyper kindergartener. The parents are content to let Gracie raise her little brother (down to packing for him and thinking to prep him weeks beforehand for the sensation of wearing diving goggles) and just being hands-off so that Gracie doesn't get any alone time.

The idea that Gracie planned the entire family vacation (down to the flights/airports, available vacation homes, and currency in a foreign country) was weird. I know kids are more capable than most adults in kids' stories but that just seemed like too much for a character who is still a preteen. This all ties into the vibe that eldest daughters are really "backup moms" for a household, no matter how young they still are themselves. Not a great start and I didn't stick around to read the main plot dilemma.

[A H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute book! Reminds me a lot of Ramona and Bezus or Ramona the pest at times. Some good themes are friendship, perseverance, even when things don’t go according to plan they can still be good, family, and you can make a difference.

My only hesitation is it is kind of emotionally manipulative for the age level it is intended for. Yes, the reefs need protecting 100%. And yes, kids can make a difference 100%. But throwing around the 97% stat for 1 reef, having our heroine cry over it and talk about how there may not be any reefs when she grows up, and then having her do a program to raise money for them…well. Again, good on the surface and kids that age love activism (which is awesome). But this felt more manipulating their emotions to try to get them to set up a fund raiser at the end than just telling a story about how one kid can make a difference.

All that to say, proceed with caution:)

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more like a 3.6/5 ⭐

I love this topic, but I think the little brother was so annoying that it took away from the main point. Yes he was annoying because he might be undiagnosed ADHD, but regardless of the brother, he still took away from the story instead of adding to it. Yes, he was important to the plot, but there could have been something else that moved things forward. Okay, rant over.

I really did love that this was a kid who loved snorkeling so much she got her family to do a spring break trip just so she could snorkel more! She loves the water and ocean, coral and fish, it's very cool. Then she starts to learn about how climate change has killed the coral reef and other things that harm it. She learns and becomes very passionate about it. The author even leaves resources in the back of the book for how kids can help the reefs and start making a difference right away.

It was a very quick read and I really enjoyed it!

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie loves snorkeling even more than she loves planning! Her dream is to go to the Maldives, but she realizes her parents are more likely to take a family trip much closer. After a bit of research, she puts together the idea for family vacation to Roatán, Honduras over spring break. The snorkeling there is more amazing than she imagined, even with her loud and demanding younger brother. They meet up with some local scientists, one of whom has a daughter her age. When an unexpected injury puts a crimp in her snorkeling plans, this new friendship helps save the trip. Lots of great facts about the importance of coral reefs and the fish who live there. Many young readers are going to want to join Gracie on her quest to save the coral reefs. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A MG clifi book about a girl who loves to snorkel.
🤿
It’s been a while since Gracie went snorkeling so when the chance to bring up the topic of their next family vacation destination, Gracie convinced her parents and younger brother, Ben, to go to Honduras. While there Gracie meets a new friend who teaches her about the coral reef and how it’s endangered. As Gracie learns more about climate change and its effect on the reefs, the more passionate she becomes.
🤿
This was a sweet early middle grade novel about protecting the ocean, how to do with overwhelming emotions and how one’s passion can guide their studies and future. This title releases September 17!

CW: injuries, climate change (theme)

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie Under Waves is a warm novel with themes of climate change, family, friendship and sibling dynamics.

Gracie is a spunky main character who knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got flaws, and a little brother who gets on her nerves, both of which will endear her to readers.

One of the book’s biggest draws is the snorkeling element, and Linda Sue Park does a great job transporting you to the ocean floor. Park incorporates a lot of science/environmental issues here that many readers will find fascinating and would work well with different units within school curriculums.

Gracie Under Waves is a fairly short novel (176 pages) that moves quickly. It will particularly appeal to kids that enjoy a good story without all the tween drama/angst.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Park never disappoints. Gracie loves to snorkel and has dreams of snorkeling in the Maldives. As a step toward that goal, she researches and presents a plan for her family to spend spring break in Roatan, Honduras. Her parents surprise her with tickets and a plan to do this. The remainder of the book is set in Roatan. Readers see her frustrations with her younger brother and will relate to family dynamics. When she is injured on the reef, they will share her sadness that she can't be in the water and will also feel her pain after her angry outburst. By the end, everyone will conquer fears and heal. I appreciate Park's message about the coral reefs and love that she wove this through the story. A terrific read aloud and starting point for students to learn more about saving the reefs.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a simple story. A girl who has a love and passion for snorkeling finds a way to convince her parents to travel to Roatan to snorkel. She discovers that there is so much beauty and wonder to behold, however the climate is affecting that beauty and it's frustrating her-- just like her little brother. She ends up having to sit out of some of the dives because of an infection but also uses her smarts to help her brother out of his own diving mishap with jellyfish.

It's a book with a message, a sweet main character, and a very literal storyline. I dare say (and not in a derogatory way) an easy read. Seeing the full publication will be nice since the advanced copy only has sketches where pictures will be which will certainly enhance it's appeal as evidenced by the vibrant front cover.

[Sarah McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracie is a relatable character in many ways, including fixating on an activity (snorkeling) after only a few times doing it. This story is focused, and combines Gracie’s observations about the ocean with conversations to build a narrative that moves fairly quickly while also building awareness about human activity and climate change ramifications.

I love how the family is portrayed in this story, communicating with each other and dealing with things like anger in a healthy way, with the parents guiding and helping their kids in helpful ways. This book is only 161 pages and the text is reasonably sized and spaced. That combined with the story makes it a perfect addition to our 5th grade classroom library! I can’t wait to share this with students in the fall!