THE PEARL HUNTER

In this story set in a fantasy Japan many centuries ago, Kai faces dangers as she tries to save her sister from dying.

On the day of her ceremonial solo dive, part of becoming an official pearl diver, Kai wakes up from an ominous dream in which her twin, Kishi, got trapped behind a transparent undersea barrier. Dismissing it, she goes about her day, diving for mussels. But on her last dive, Kai’s nightmare becomes a reality when Kishi is swallowed by the bakekujira or ghost whale. Determined to save her sister, Kai searches for the whale only to almost lose her own life. After being rescued by Ryujin, the Dragon King, who takes her to sea goddess Benzaiten, Kai pleads for help in bringing her sister back. Benzaiten says Kai must first bring her the pearl belonging to Dakini, the Fox Queen. Kai embarks on a journey toward Sky Mountain, the foxes’ meeting place, along the way encountering bandits, a scheming general, the vicious Crows of the Eternal Night, and a new friend. Filled with elements of Japanese culture, including myths and legends, this is an exciting, fast-paced adventure with lots of twists and turns. Topics of grief, family, friendship, and belonging are at the forefront of Kai’s journey and growth, with classism and other prejudices shaping many characters’ lives.

Readers will want to dive into this story full of magic and adventure.