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Search for a Giant Squid: Pick Your Path
An exciting ocean-themed choose-your-path STEM adventure for emerging readers!
Take a journey to the ocean's twilight zone in Search for a Giant Squid! An exciting mixture of fiction and nonfiction, this choose-your-own-adventure-style story allows readers to take on the mantle of a teuthologist looking for a giant squid in its natural habitat. Once readers pick their submersible, pilot, and dive site, the adventure begins!
Take a journey to the ocean's twilight zone in Search for a Giant Squid! An exciting mixture of fiction and nonfiction, this choose-your-own-adventure-style story allows readers to take on the mantle of a teuthologist looking for a giant squid in its natural habitat. Once readers pick their submersible, pilot, and dive site, the adventure begins!
96 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2023
4 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 14, 2023
I LOVED this creative, engaging pick-your-path nonfiction book for kids. Not only is it super fun to read and reread as you go back and choose different paths to see what happens, it also has a lot to say about how *doing* scientific field research works--that even though you can make smart decisions to improve your chances of achieving your goal, things outside your control can still go wrong, and though much (even most) of the time you don't find exactly what you're hoping for, the things you do encounter are often still worth studying. And the author is a Youth Services Librarian at the Eugene Public Library in Oregon!💙
February 9, 2023
Such a fun story! I learned so many facts (and I’m an adult haha) and thoroughly enjoyed choosing my own adventure to find a giant squid. Kids will love going through this book over and over. I can’t wait to booktalk it!
May 14, 2023
Fascinating and fact-filled. Choose the paths to finding the most elusive living creature on the planet. From choosing a pilot and a craft to the spots on the globe that will truly send inquisitive minds on adventures to remember.
I know from experience, choose your own books are top priority on most of my students reading lists.
Well done!
I know from experience, choose your own books are top priority on most of my students reading lists.
Well done!
January 10, 2023
Saw an advance readers copy, loved the artwork and interactivity of the book. The illustrations are beautiful and the story engaging. Would warmly recommend to tiny science explorers.
August 15, 2023
A little confusing--wish there were a few longer stretches without flipping, BUT love the diverse personnel and explanations of the technical aspects of a research trip and the various jobs.
June 26, 2024
Love that this was written by a localish-to-me sibling duo - Amy's a youth services Librarian in Eugene, OR, and Andy is a cartoonist living in Seattle.
Also love that THIS IS AWESOME.
As you can see from the cover, it's an interactive story. It's heavily illustrated, and is probably technically a graphic novel, but stretches the form enough for (and will probably circulate more in) regular ole Kids Nonfiction.
I love the visible diversity of the people in this book.
I love that you don't "win" (read: find the Giant Squid) every time. I love that even though you don't win every time, you do find something cool and learn about something real from the ocean.
I playtested this thoroughly - made choices until I found the Giant Squid, and then read all the pages I'd missed cover to cover. I really hope they come out with a whole bunch of these.
LOVE!
Also love that THIS IS AWESOME.
As you can see from the cover, it's an interactive story. It's heavily illustrated, and is probably technically a graphic novel, but stretches the form enough for (and will probably circulate more in) regular ole Kids Nonfiction.
I love the visible diversity of the people in this book.
I love that you don't "win" (read: find the Giant Squid) every time. I love that even though you don't win every time, you do find something cool and learn about something real from the ocean.
I playtested this thoroughly - made choices until I found the Giant Squid, and then read all the pages I'd missed cover to cover. I really hope they come out with a whole bunch of these.
LOVE!
August 18, 2024
Cool concept for a nonfiction book. Eventually the flipping back and forth to different pages became a lil tiring. Learned a lot. Fantastic visual disability/difference rep of several kinds.
April 10, 2023
great adventure read
April 11, 2024
boring on the phone to keep clicking thru such short reads to find out you didn’t find the squid. 2.5 rating, most kids in the appropriate age range will find this fun to read i bet.
November 29, 2023
It's a pick-your-path book, but one where you get to learn all about marine biology while on the quest to find the giant squid. The illustrations were both fun and detailed. I enjoyed that both boat pilots looked like they could use any of the pronouns, and I had fun working my way through every path.
Read for Librarian Book Group
Read for Librarian Book Group
January 1, 2024
I love pick your path books, and this one is a great edition to the format as it is mixed with adventure and science.
February 15, 2023
This little affair actually has quite a lot going for it inasmuch as it has Reithian values of educating through entertainment. It's a primer to underwater scientific adventures, as the search for the giant squid and what elements of its biology and life we don't know about partly depends on our decisions. Well, sort of – it's not the most developed gamebook out there, to say the least. First we select our submersible pilot, from two, and then reconvene at the same page to pick the craft to dive in – but whatever suggestions said pilot characters made about their ideal submersible go out the window as they're chuffed with whatever we picked for them. From the three corners of the world we can choose to look for the squid in, we're then off – down past copious other animals to see what we can find.
Basically this has twelve potential endings, and you have to plough through it to find the right combination for success. I guess that try-and-try again ethos (it's not like your character is dying at any ending, you just have some kind of minor success and get to start back with the submersible pick once more) is indicative of the repetitive efforts some science involves, but it may feel a little fiddly to get it right and 'win' the book. Certainly if you take this as a product from page one, we get a heck of a lot on introduction, and then what we're allegedly manipulating and directing ourselves can be over in just a few short pages.
But try and try harder and you will indeed find the goal of it all, having had many a decent little adventure, seen much wildlife, and having finally discovered something about the results of our decisions after all. Everything is presented very amenably in cartoonish fashion, although the bias towards representation skews the colleagues on board right over into the majority ethnic category, even one with vitiligo. Reith would never have accepted such woke aspects of this, but as for the biology and the snapshots of underwater science we get, this serves its audience pretty well.
Basically this has twelve potential endings, and you have to plough through it to find the right combination for success. I guess that try-and-try again ethos (it's not like your character is dying at any ending, you just have some kind of minor success and get to start back with the submersible pick once more) is indicative of the repetitive efforts some science involves, but it may feel a little fiddly to get it right and 'win' the book. Certainly if you take this as a product from page one, we get a heck of a lot on introduction, and then what we're allegedly manipulating and directing ourselves can be over in just a few short pages.
But try and try harder and you will indeed find the goal of it all, having had many a decent little adventure, seen much wildlife, and having finally discovered something about the results of our decisions after all. Everything is presented very amenably in cartoonish fashion, although the bias towards representation skews the colleagues on board right over into the majority ethnic category, even one with vitiligo. Reith would never have accepted such woke aspects of this, but as for the biology and the snapshots of underwater science we get, this serves its audience pretty well.
April 19, 2023
Search for a Giant Squid, written by Amy Seto Forrester and illustrated by Andy Chou Musser, is a children's book currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. An exciting ocean-themed choose-your-path STEM adventure for emerging readers! Take a journey to the ocean's twilight zone in Search for a Giant Squid ! An exciting mixture of action and nonfiction, this choose-your-own-adventure-style story allows readers to take on the mantle of a teuthologist looking for a giant squid in its natural habitat. Once readers pick their submersible, pilot, and dive site, the adventure begins!
Search for a Giant Squid is a combination of adventure and nonfiction. I liked the amount of information shared about the people that study and work in the ocean, and study specific aspects and creatures of the ocean. I learned a few new things, and I think most young readers will learn a great deal. I loved that the fact the scientists are still learning, still asking questions, and still looking to better understand things. Helping kids see that the adults are still looking to answer questions makes them feel a little better when they do not know the answer, even when they think they should. I thought making the story interactive was a great idea, giving young readers the ability to make the choices, and see the consequences of those choices in a book is safe and low stakes. I like that the readers are encouraged to try different paths, and see what else they can discover. I also like that they are encouraged to check the glossary if they see a word they do not understand. The inclusion of suggestions for further research, the sources used, and some additional fun facts at the end were a perfect addition.
Search for a Giant Squid is a wonderful book for curious young readers, especially for those with interest in animals or the sciences in general.
Search for a Giant Squid is a combination of adventure and nonfiction. I liked the amount of information shared about the people that study and work in the ocean, and study specific aspects and creatures of the ocean. I learned a few new things, and I think most young readers will learn a great deal. I loved that the fact the scientists are still learning, still asking questions, and still looking to better understand things. Helping kids see that the adults are still looking to answer questions makes them feel a little better when they do not know the answer, even when they think they should. I thought making the story interactive was a great idea, giving young readers the ability to make the choices, and see the consequences of those choices in a book is safe and low stakes. I like that the readers are encouraged to try different paths, and see what else they can discover. I also like that they are encouraged to check the glossary if they see a word they do not understand. The inclusion of suggestions for further research, the sources used, and some additional fun facts at the end were a perfect addition.
Search for a Giant Squid is a wonderful book for curious young readers, especially for those with interest in animals or the sciences in general.
August 4, 2023
Learning about giant squids has been limited to only studying them once a dead squid has washed ashore. Teuthologists, scientists who study cephalopods, haven’t been able to dive deep enough or stay underwater long enough to study them while they are alive and in the ocean until recently. Join scientists in this choose-your-own-adventure type of book as they travel in an underwater vehicle to the Twilight Zone, the squid’s natural habitat.
First, you and your team get ready by doing research and sharing notes with each other. Then you pack and prepare the research vessel that you and the team will travel on. Then your adventure begins by choosing which submersible you want to use. Will you choose the Galaxy with the longer battery life and more thrusters or the Athena with less battery life but a longer sonar ranger and two manipulator arms? Based on the choice, kids will turn to the appropriate page and continue their adventure.
No research journey is without complications and this one has a few. But, following the clues on the pages, the skills of the team in the submersible and on the vessel, and a little luck, you might just find a Giant Squid.
This book uses actual scientific terms to make the adventure the most authentic for kids/future researchers. The animals covered in the book along with their scientific names and a full glossary of terms are easy to find at the end of the book. If kids are still interested, websites, books, and a bibliography are included at the end. Actual facts from the ocean are also included such as, “Giant squid can only survive in saltwater.”
Kids interested in marine biology or adventure books that can change based on their own choices will find this research book to be quite fun! Even though the illustrations are cartoon-like, they are still quite accurate and make this book accessible to young and older readers.
First, you and your team get ready by doing research and sharing notes with each other. Then you pack and prepare the research vessel that you and the team will travel on. Then your adventure begins by choosing which submersible you want to use. Will you choose the Galaxy with the longer battery life and more thrusters or the Athena with less battery life but a longer sonar ranger and two manipulator arms? Based on the choice, kids will turn to the appropriate page and continue their adventure.
No research journey is without complications and this one has a few. But, following the clues on the pages, the skills of the team in the submersible and on the vessel, and a little luck, you might just find a Giant Squid.
This book uses actual scientific terms to make the adventure the most authentic for kids/future researchers. The animals covered in the book along with their scientific names and a full glossary of terms are easy to find at the end of the book. If kids are still interested, websites, books, and a bibliography are included at the end. Actual facts from the ocean are also included such as, “Giant squid can only survive in saltwater.”
Kids interested in marine biology or adventure books that can change based on their own choices will find this research book to be quite fun! Even though the illustrations are cartoon-like, they are still quite accurate and make this book accessible to young and older readers.
November 5, 2023
This book by Forrester & Musser uses the "Choose Your Own Adventure" format, which is is an invitation for young readers to engage more actively as readers.
The book's "McGuffin" is the giant squid, but the real topic is broader. The book depicts the many aspects of a scientific (oceanography) expedition: the research team, supplied needed for surviving and thriving while underwater, the submersible, the collection of data, the analysis of data, etc. Of note is the need to solve a wide range of problems while on the research trip.
The book lets readers choose locations, vehicles, and pilots. I read the book straight through instead of using the hop-skip-and-jump "choose your own adventure" method. The illustrations are great. I like that the research team is very diverse, not just in gender and race. We live in a diverse world, and this is a great way to normalize this for young readers so that when they experience a world broader than their family, school, neighborhood, and city, they are more prepared to accept a broader range of people.
This book is a great way to introduce young readers to how science is applied and how science can be an adventure.
Back matter includes a note from the authors, a special thanks to consultants (many of whom are pictured), a long list of animals in the book, a glossary, learn more (a list of books and websites to consult about this topic), and a robust bibliography of articles, books, and websites.
The book's "McGuffin" is the giant squid, but the real topic is broader. The book depicts the many aspects of a scientific (oceanography) expedition: the research team, supplied needed for surviving and thriving while underwater, the submersible, the collection of data, the analysis of data, etc. Of note is the need to solve a wide range of problems while on the research trip.
The book lets readers choose locations, vehicles, and pilots. I read the book straight through instead of using the hop-skip-and-jump "choose your own adventure" method. The illustrations are great. I like that the research team is very diverse, not just in gender and race. We live in a diverse world, and this is a great way to normalize this for young readers so that when they experience a world broader than their family, school, neighborhood, and city, they are more prepared to accept a broader range of people.
This book is a great way to introduce young readers to how science is applied and how science can be an adventure.
Back matter includes a note from the authors, a special thanks to consultants (many of whom are pictured), a long list of animals in the book, a glossary, learn more (a list of books and websites to consult about this topic), and a robust bibliography of articles, books, and websites.
July 27, 2023
I enjoyed this fun interactive approach to learning about deep sea diving and all the preparations and personnel needed for safe and successful dives. The choose your path options were fun to try out different pilots, submersibles, and dive locations to explore. I enjoyed the positive message that even if your choices don't lead to finding the elusive giant squid, the data, samples, and photographs from each dive help scientists learn more about the oceans. No unsafe missions are failures! Readers will learn about different species residing in the ocean, the technology required for underwater exploration, and even learn about how people are polluting oceans with plastics. Highly recommended for all classrooms and libraries.
June 9, 2023
I love the Pick Your Path adventure approach to this nonfiction book and would fit in beautifully with units on the ocean, habitats and animals. Not only will readers learn more about the Giant Squid, but the layers of the ocean, how research is done, and how one travels underwater with an introduction to the skills needed. Depending on the path picked, readers will also learn about animals that they may or may not be familiar with as they search for the elusive squid. A great addition to collections and I hope this will become a series.
September 14, 2022
Amy is a friend of mine, but she's also an expert about early readers. She knows her young audience so well, and this book will captivate them completely. It's got the choose your own adventure set up and mixes it with scientific facts- all written at an appropriate and engaging level for new readers! And Andy's illustrations are lovely and inclusive. I can't wait until this is out and I can put it in the hands of so many kiddos!
May 26, 2023
Choose your own adventure is a super interesting format for a nonfiction book! This one lands in that transitional space where kids are just starting to be more confident readers but aren't ready for big blocks of text. All of the paths end with interesting discoveries even if only one ends with a giant squid! It will appeal to nonfiction readers and marine life lovers as well as those who like the choose-your-own format.
December 6, 2023
I'm not sure how I feel about this one.
It has vibrant design, diversity in illustrations, is engaging and full of information.
For MY BRAIN, this isn't an effective way to learn or get information (the pick your own path format)– I like straightforward, sequential or narrative information presentation, uninterrupted.
Others who aren't this way will probably love this book. As I said, objectively it's high quality I just, unfortunately, can't put myself in another brain to evaluate it from other perspectives.
It has vibrant design, diversity in illustrations, is engaging and full of information.
For MY BRAIN, this isn't an effective way to learn or get information (the pick your own path format)– I like straightforward, sequential or narrative information presentation, uninterrupted.
Others who aren't this way will probably love this book. As I said, objectively it's high quality I just, unfortunately, can't put myself in another brain to evaluate it from other perspectives.
February 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy to review.
What a great addition to any elementary classroom library. I really enjoyed the pick your path aspect of the book. This book is chock-full of science facts. The illustrations are simple and vibrant. The characters are diverse. Kids will have a fun reading this book over and over to follow all the paths.
What a great addition to any elementary classroom library. I really enjoyed the pick your path aspect of the book. This book is chock-full of science facts. The illustrations are simple and vibrant. The characters are diverse. Kids will have a fun reading this book over and over to follow all the paths.
September 28, 2023
3.75 Stars
I liked this book, but I read it in digital form and it was difficult to keep going back to different pages. I ended up just reading it cover to cover after getting confused on what page I should be on. Still an interesting and a unique "Choice your own adventure" Kids will probably dig it!!
I liked this book, but I read it in digital form and it was difficult to keep going back to different pages. I ended up just reading it cover to cover after getting confused on what page I should be on. Still an interesting and a unique "Choice your own adventure" Kids will probably dig it!!
March 13, 2025
My 7 year old brought this home from school and we love it. The choose your own adventure aspect makes it fun and engaging to read over and over. The stem aspect gives it a really unique twist. We love the pictures and that the people are diverse. Women, people of color and people with different abilities in STEM. It made me tear up a little. Love it!
June 25, 2023
This book is a winner on many levels---great portrayal of diverse scientists, mystery, STEM, choose-your-own-adventure paths, and the Giant Squid!
My students are going to battle over who checks this one out. Packed with information, good back matter, and fun to read.
My students are going to battle over who checks this one out. Packed with information, good back matter, and fun to read.
Read
September 8, 2023This is a very cool Choose Your Own Adventure type book about diving into the ocean in a submersible on the hunt for a giant squid. At first I was like, oh I know this author, but turns out I know her from ALSC stuff, as this is her first book. I'm considering this for a state award nomination.
November 8, 2023
Delightful pictures. My son and I love the "choose your own adventure" style. Full of realistic, diverse characters. Non-fiction, giving a realistic sense of science exploration. Reading level = grade 3+. I recommend to anyone who loves science, marine biology, adventures, picture books.
Want to read
April 2, 2023Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 13, 2023
Fun idea, but very modern/PC looking characters of the expedition team.
June 22, 2023
Choose your path by selecting a submersible, pilot, and dive site to go on an expedition to the ocean’s twilight zone in search of a giant squid.
Reviewer 9
Reviewer 9
July 3, 2023
And absolutely fun and diverse “pick your path” book with so much to discover in so much real science!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews