Set against the backdrop of Caribbean folklore, Lisa Stringfellowâs spellbinding middle grade debut tells of a grieving girl and a vengeful mermaid and will enchant readers who loved Kacen Callenderâs Hurricane Child or Christian McKay Heidickerâs Scary Stories for Young Foxes.
Ever since her motherâs death, Kela feels every bit as broken as the shards of glass, known as âmermaidâs tears,â 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 sheâs already lost, Kela canât 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 priceâŠ
Donât miss the novel that Newbery-winning author Kelly Barnhill calls âone of the most promising works of fiction in a long timeâ!