A Mermaid in Middle Grade

Brynn Finley can't get her magic spells right, which is a problem when both her parents are ocean guardians and a sea witch named Phaedra is threatening the whole reef. A.M. Luzzader builds a genuinely appealing underwater world with real stakes for its protagonist — the fear of being left behind while everyone else succeeds is something middle-grade readers know in their bones. The environmental stewardship and collaboration themes feel organic rather than preachy. Kirkus called it 'gentle, if unexceptional, eco-fiction,' which is fair: this is a well-crafted series opener that satisfies but does not surprise. The self-published format means editorial polish may vary across the six-book run. For young readers who love mermaid fantasy and want a protagonist still figuring herself out, this is a solid and encouraging choice.