You Brought Me the Ocean

High school senior Jake Hyde, who is black, dreams of the ocean while stuck in the desert town of Truth or Consequences, N.Mex. While his childhood best friend, Latina Maria Mendez, who is in love with him, wants to stay close to home, Jake hopes to move to Miami and study oceanography. Jake’s mother discourages any contact with water, which proves difficult when he develops feelings for blue-haired swimmer Kenny Liu, of Chinese descent. Around Jake’s romance with Kenny and friendship with Maria, Sanchez (Rainbow Boys) weaves the story’s stakes, which involve mysterious “birthmarks” that illuminate when Jake makes contact with water. With Kenny, Jake encounters water, starting with a desert flash flood that reveals Jake’s latent hydrokinesis and sets him on the path to discovering his father’s history. Though background moments (Superman flying overhead, the news mentioning Aquaman) hint at the book’s connection to the DC universe, the narrative offers the slimmest of consequences to Jake’s character when his ties to that world are revealed. Illustrations by Maroh (Blue Is the Warmest Color) offer clarity in emotional moments, such as when Jake reveals to his mother that he knows about his powers. Clear paneling in muted blues and taupes keeps the story’s pacing strong, highlighting water as a vibrant character integral to Jake’s metamorphosis. Ages 14–up. (June)■