The sun is beating down here in South Carolina, which means my mind drifts more and more to the cool depths of the sea, salty breezes, and the cries of pelicans. I’ve always enjoyed reading books about the ocean in the summer, no doubt due to family vacations spent at the Gulf of Mexico.
The following books are as diverse as the sea itself: light-hearted sisters and mermaids to flesh-eating horses born in the sea. But they all share the common thread of the ocean. I hope you find some new favorites or become acquainted with old friends!
Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman: This is probably the first ocean-themed book I read. Mermaids and sisters–you can’t go wrong with those! (Also, it’s so much better than the movie).
Indigo by Alice Hoffman: Many readers have heard of Aquamarine, but not this fun short story or novella (I can’t quite remember how big it is) about two brothers who don’t fit in in their small, dry town.
Atlantia by Ally Condie: A beautifully written novel about twin sisters who live in an underwater city (but are human). I remember it being odd, but I’d love to dive back into this thrilling, unexpected world.
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig: I loved this haunting retelling of the 12 dancing princesses fairy tale! Nothing is what you expect, and the plot sizzles more than any summer lightning storm.
Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley: A magical, mysterious tale of a girl and a boy from the sea who comes to her aid and may not be human. This story is rich with folklore and legend.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: I think I mention this book in all my list posts ;). It’s just that good! The sea in this book is stormy and wild, just like the legendary horses that rise from the sea and participate in races every autumn (which is probably the best time to read this book).
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer: You can’t have the ocean without boats! This is a delightful, exciting middle-grade book that takes place in a land based off the Viking culture in Norway. There’s oceans of magic and folklore waiting on every page.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis: A wonderful classic tale of adventure, danger, and exploration on the high seas! This is my favorite of the Chronicles of Narnia series, no doubt due to all the adventures the characters face. And Reepicheep is the best, of course :).
What are some of your favorite sea-based books?
