Dive for the Black Pearl

by Robin Yardi, Paul Kellam (illustrator)

Princess Finn must find the magical Black Pearl, in the second installment of this epic underwater early chapter book series!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Evil magician Rozaro has put all the Coral Keepers of Anjeea under a sleeping spell! The only magical object that can wake them up is the legendary Black Pearl. Finn and her friends Moon and Link must journey to the icy Sapphire Sea to find it. But the pearl is guarded by powerful orcas and hidden deep in an enchanted tunnel. Can Finn, Moon, and Link reach the pearl and lift the sleeping spell before Rozaro's next attack?

With engaging black-and-white artwork on every page, kids won't be able to put down this magical, underwater adventure!

Genres: Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Robin Yardi is the author of Coral Keepers, an illustrated undersea adventure series about a trio of mermaid magicians (Scholastic), and I Know the Whale, a poignant picture book about the beauty in all things (Little Bee). As a credentialed teacher and museum docent turned author and presenter, Robin knows joyful learning begins with curiosity. Her books celebrate the bravery of kids doing the hard work of growing up, mastering their magic, and learning to read!

Robin lives with her family in California where she spends time talking to her giant tortoise and finding feathers to remind herself that the smallest parts of us are treasures. As an autistic, ADHD creative, Robin sees the world as wonderfully complex – often hard, but always beautiful.

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! I wish I did not have to wait for the next one!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book series, thinking “oh, mermaids, my daughter will love this!” But there’s plenty of magic, both for good and evil, and sea life, that my son has been just as excited! Lots of fast action in these 85 pages!!

[Aube · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loved the orca pods and the megalodon ghost shark. This story had just the right balance of (mildly) scary action and really sweet friendships and sibling relationships. I love that it's exciting enough to appeal to him with battles and magic without feeling dark or aggressive. This story is full of action but feels bright, magical, and hopeful. He's excited to read book 3!