Gracie Under the Waves by Linda Sue Park

What does Kate mean when she refers to the broken coral as "fragments of opportunity"? Can you think of other examples of "fragments of opportunity" in your own life?

How does Gracie’s relationship with Ben influence her actions and the plot?

Gracie’s parents let her plan a trip to Roatan, Honduras. If you could plan a trip for your family, where would you go and why?

How do small actions, like using sunscreen, have a significant impact on the environment? What other small actions can have a big effect?

The book discusses how the beautiful lionfish are an invasive species. What does this teach us about judging things based on appearance alone? Can you think of other examples where something beautiful has a negative effect?

When Ben is snorkeling, what is Graice’s first thought when he starts screaming for help?

Gracie knows that she is not supposed to go into the water because of her coral reef injury, but she has to save Ben. Have you ever had a time when you had to do something you knew you were not supposed to do? If not, can you imagine a situation where that would be the case?

Watch the video above called Jellyfish Bloom Hits Venezuela Waters. Describe some thoughts that Ben and Gracie may have had while they were caught in the bloom.

Which character do you find the most compelling and why?

Some characters play small but important roles in a story. Name such a character. Why is this character necessary for the story?

What is the most memorable scene in the book for you, and why?

Which character would you like to have as a best friend, and why?

What is one small action you can take to help the environment after reading this book?

How does Gracie's personal love for snorkeling and the ocean connect to her larger fight against climate change?

What is the overall message of the story about climate change and taking action?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for Gracie Under the Waves by Linda Sue Park.

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes:

Hoyle, McCall. Forever Ripley. A deeply personal middle-grade novel by award-winning author McCall Hoyle affirms the powerful and enduring relationship between dogs and humans. Ripley, an aging German Shepherd Dog, spent her life guarding the wildlife refuge with Max, the best man she’s ever known. But that was before the accident, before he gave her one final job: “Take care of the girls.” And Ripley has done just that—especially for Charlie, the girl Ripley loves even more than peanut butter. Ripley watches over Charlie with dedication, especially when faced with bullies who threaten the refuge. But Ripley is slowing down. She knows dogs don’t last forever. Sensing their time together is running out, Charlie plans a farewell adventure filled with Ripley’s favorite things—fried chicken, sandpiper chasing on the beach, and ice cream in Nags Head. Through it all, they learn that love isn’t about holding on—it’s about lifting each other up. A heartwarming tribute to love, resilience, and the joy of a life well lived, Forever Ripley proves that even in goodbye, there is beauty, courage, and the promise of new beginnings. (NoveList)

Pla, Sally J. Invisible Isabel. Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five siblings, there is too much too much-ness. At the same time, there’s a new girl at school who is immediately popular, but she’s also not very nice to one person—Isabel. Isabel has never felt more invisible. She has so many fears: being abandoned by her old friends at school, having to speak to strangers in public, taking the upcoming Extremely Important standardized test. Her fears feel like worry-moths that flutter in her belly. With every passing day, it seems like they get stronger and stronger. How can Invisible Isabel make people listen? (NoveList)

Venkatraman, Padma. Safe Harbor. An uplifting novel in verse about an immigrant girl adjusting to life in the US through her love of nature, music, and poetry. When Geetha and her mom move from India to Rhode Island after her parents’ divorce, they leave everything Geetha loves behind—her family, her friends, her dog, and all that’s familiar. As if that’s not hard enough, Geetha is bullied at her new school for her clothes, her food, and her English (who knew so many English words could be spelled or pronounced differently in the US—or just be altogether different!). She finds some solace in playing her flute and writing poetry, and even more when she meets Miguel, a kid with whom she has a lot in common, and the two of them help rescue an injured harp seal stranded on the beach. But Geetha can feel her anger building over lots of things—careless people who pollute the sea and hurt animals, and her mom for making her move. She’s never been so sad and angry. She can see a lot of her fears mirrored in the injured seal when she visits it at the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center, and this broadens her understanding of survival skills. And when she and Miguel start a beach-clean-up venture, she’s surprised to find how many kind kids are out there. Geetha is torn as the time comes to let the seal go, knowing she’ll miss him, but wanting the best for him. She’s learning to live with mixed feelings and accept that while there will always be rough waters, there are plenty of safe harbors too. (NoveList)

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