; ;

The Girl from the Sea, by Molly Knox Ostertag

This graphic novel is a sweet LGBQT+ romance perfect for middle and high school readers. It tells the story of Morgan and the selkie she meets again, Keltie, and their new romantic relationship. Their romance is complicated by Morgan’s fears of coming out, a recent separation of her parents, and an ecological subplot involving Keltie’s concern for her seal friends’ safety with new environmental hazards on the horizon. I enjoyed the colorful graphics and the sprinkled text format used by Morgan and her other school friends. The combination of styles was an interesting change of pace. Morgan’s worries about coming out and her secret relationship with Keltie felt believable. I was really rooting for them to figure it all out. The ecological sub-plot felt a bit contrived and less believable, but ultimately, I was oohing and ahhing over the sweet ending of the book. The illustrations are well done, bright, and energetic. I enjoyed the multi-ethnic cast of characters, including the selkie. Middle school and high school readers looking for a sweet, gentle, gender-bending romance will be charmed by the tender connection Morgan and Keltie have, along with feeling sympathy for the concerns they both have that complicate their relationship. Even though the ecological sub-plot is not really believable in its outcome, the human (human-selkie) connection absolutely is believable and worth the read –  right down to the surprise twist at the end. I can see myself handing this book to many middle school readers!