Intriguing story of water spirits who shepherd those who perish in the sea. But the sea is also full of other spirits, some beneficial, some malign. Graciela accidentally falls off a cliff into the ocean. An ocean spirit, a guide, wakes her and mentors her, bringing her along as she wakens others who have perished. But those who die with evil souls become a particularly horrifying creature bent on disruption and destruction.
It is a well-written, lyrical novel but has passages that may be disturbing to some children. The wood-cut style illustrations are exquisite, full of feeling and mystery.
Triggers: death, child abuse, horror
