The Girl from the Sea
#1 of 1 in The Girl from the Sea Series
on Goodreads (56,946)
What’s inside...
From the author of The Witch Boy trilogy comes a graphic novel about family, romance, and first love. Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore. But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.
Character compass
Morgan
Angus
Keltie
Discussion points
How do you think Morgan felt when she was keeping her secret? Have you ever had a secret that was hard to keep?
What do you think the sea represents in the story? How does it affect the characters?
Morgan struggles with her identity and who she wants to be. Why do you think it's important for her to be true to herself?
Keltie and Morgan come from different worlds but form a strong bond. What do you think makes their friendship special?
How do the illustrations enhance the story for you? Do they help you understand the characters' emotions better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how the characters feel throughout the story, especially when faced with challenges or decisions.
Discuss the importance of self-acceptance and honesty, relating these themes to personal experiences or potential real-life scenarios.
Highlight the element of fantasy in the story, such as the concept of a sea creature living among humans, to ignite your child's imagination and creativity.
Use the illustrations in the book as a starting point to engage in conversations about the mood of certain scenes and what your child thinks about them.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story, fostering their analytical and inferential skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of self and others
Explanation: The protagonist, Morgan, grapples with her identity and learns to accept herself and her sexuality, despite external pressures and expectations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-acceptance and recognize the diversity in others, fostering inclusivity and empathy in real-life social interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face personal challenges
Explanation: Morgan faces her fears of coming out and dealing with family and peer reactions, showcasing bravery in confronting personal and challenging situations.
Real-World Application: This narrative can encourage children to deal courageously with their own personal challenges, whether they relate to identity, school, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of being truthful to oneself and others is a central theme, impacting relationships and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty in their daily lives, understanding that it leads to healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self.
Example Lesson: Importance of supportive relationships
Explanation: Morgan's journey is influenced significantly by her relationships, highlighting how support can provide strength during tough times.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to seek out and nurture supportive relationships, be they with family or friends, to aid in personal development and well-being.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist’s ability to maintain hope and resilience in challenging circumstances highlights her growth and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain resilient and hopeful even when facing difficulties, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.