The Mermaid's Mirror

Gr 9 Up—No longer content to watch from shore, Lena decides that she wants to learn to surf. Although her father, a former surfer, forbids it, Lena accepts lessons from a friend and discovers that she is a natural. Unable to stay away from surfing, Lena risks her father discovering her new skill to seek out the impossible—a mermaid. When Lena finally makes contact, she uncovers a secret about herself and her mother that may change her family forever. L. K. Madigan's beautiful fantasy (Houghton Mifflin, 2010), firmly rooted in contemporary realism, is a tale about a girl who must learn truths about herself, family, friendship, and the world. Katie Schorr easily voices Lena's confusion, nervousness, heartache, determination, joy, and discovery. When Lena sings, Schorr's voice is captivating, adding another layer to the listening experience. For larger high school and public library collections.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT