The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
on Goodreads (81,895)
What’s inside...
Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations, with floods sweeping away villages and wars fought over scarce resources. The people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them. Each year, a maiden is sacrificed to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in hopes of finding the 'true bride' to end their suffering. When Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village and beloved of Mina’s brother Joon, is chosen, Joon follows her out to sea, risking death. To save him, Mina sacrifices herself in Cheong’s place. Transported to the Spirit Realm, Mina seeks the Sea God, who is in an enchanted sleep. With the aid of Shin, a mysterious young man, and other mythical beings, Mina attempts to wake the Sea God and end the storms. However, time is limited for a human in the spirit world, and there are forces conspiring to keep the Sea God asleep.
Age
13-18
Length
325 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mina
Myeong
Shin
Kirin
Discussion points
What do you think Mina learned about bravery and self-sacrifice during her adventures?
How do you feel about the choices Mina had to make? What would you have done if you were in her place?
What does the sea represent in the story? How do characters’ interactions with the sea influence their growth?
How does the author use mythology and folklore to shape the story? Which myth was your favorite and why?
How does Mina's journey change her understanding of family and community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's characters and their decisions. Use comparisons to their own experiences to make the discussion more relatable. Highlight the elements of folklore and mythology and discuss how these impact the storyline and moral lessons. Encourage them to think about the symbolism in the story, like the significance of the sea. Ask your child how the story might inspire them in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Mina, showcases courage by volunteering to sacrifice herself to save her brother and her village, stepping into a dangerous, mythic world beneath the sea.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for others, understanding that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it.
Example Lesson: Selflessness and sacrifice
Explanation: Mina's journey is marked by her willingness to put the needs of others before her own, showing true selflessness as she navigates through her challenges.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of thinking about how their actions affect others, encouraging them to consider acts of kindness and sacrifice in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Mina continues to push forward on her quest, demonstrating resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal relationships, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey to success.
Example Lesson: The power of love and loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mina's actions are driven by her deep love for her family and friends, highlighting the strength of these bonds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and nurture their own relationships, understanding that loyalty and love are powerful forces in overcoming life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and understanding
Explanation: Set in a mythic version of ancient Korea, the story immerses readers in cultural traditions and legends, fostering an appreciation for diverse heritages.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect different cultures, helping them develop a broader perspective and empathy for people from varied backgrounds.