El Niño

Eighth grader Kai Sosa contends with grief following his older sister’s death in this powerful tale by Newbery Honoree Muñoz Ryan. Two years prior to the book’s start, Kai’s 16-year-old sister Cali, a record-breaking competitive swimmer, went surfing in the Pacific Ocean and never returned. Named for Califia, the mythic Amazonian queen who inspired the name of California, Cali was passionate about aquatic mythology, which Kai learns after perusing her overdue library books. Following Cali’s death, Kai joins a swim team but falls short of the demanding expectations. He’s distracted thinking about Cali’s disappearance, the legend of Queen Califia, and the entity’s Library of Despair and Sorrow purportedly hidden in the ocean. When Coach Dominie and Assistant Coach Xosé take the team to practice in the open ocean, Kai embarks on an otherworldly experience that leaves him questioning reality. Delicate, blue-lined digital illustrations by Cepeda (The Best Worst Camp Out Ever) amp up the surreal atmosphere and magical realism elements of Kai’s journey through loss. An author’s note concludes. Spanish-language edition publishing simultaneously. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Kendra Marcus, Bookstop Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Jen Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)

Correction: The text of this review has been updated for clarity.