The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea
#1 in The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea Series
on Goodreads (11,618)
What’s inside...
A desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial daughter find a connection on the high seas in a world divided by colonialism and threaded with magic. Aboard the pirate ship Dove, Flora the girl takes on the identity of Florian the man to earn the respect and protection of the crew. For Flora, former starving urchin, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival: don’t trust, don’t stick out, and don’t feel. But on this voyage, as the pirates prepare to sell their unsuspecting passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to the Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, who is en route to a dreaded arranged marriage with her own casket in tow. Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian. Soon the unlikely pair set in motion a wild escape that will free a captured mermaid (coveted for her blood, which causes men to have visions and lose memories) and involve the mysterious Pirate Supreme, an opportunistic witch, and the all-encompassing Sea itself.
Character compass
Flora/Florian
Lady Evelyn Hasegawa
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to make their choices throughout their journey?
How do you think the relationship between the mermaid and the witch affects the story?
In what ways do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and self-acceptance from the story?
If you could talk to one of the characters, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters’ actions and how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the various themes of the book like friendship, courage, and identity. Relate them to your child’s experiences to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings for the book. This can help develop their creative thinking and perspective-taking skills.
Highlight passages that showcase significant character development or moral lessons. Discuss why these moments are pivotal to the storyline.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: In the story, the characters learn to understand and empathize with each other’s circumstances, despite their initial differences and conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: The protagonists face moral dilemmas and choose to act against injustice, demonstrating bravery and integrity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of integrity and the importance of standing up against wrongdoing, whether it’s in defending a classmate or choosing honesty over deceit.
Example Lesson: The power of self-acceptance
Explanation: Characters in the book journey towards accepting their own identities, which is crucial in their development and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing their unique traits and qualities, boosting self-esteem and encouraging them to be authentic in various social settings.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices and consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make decisions that have significant consequences, illustrating the importance of thoughtful choice-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions have effects on themselves and others, encouraging them to think critically about the choices they make daily.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book overcome numerous challenges and adversities, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether they are academic, social, or personal, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.