Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books > The Storm Swimmer

The Storm Swimmer

Book Synopsis

Summer was supposed to be Ginika’s time for fun, friends and fairs. But instead she’s been sent to live at the dead-end seaside boarding house her grandparents run. Even though her parents say it’s just for a little while, she can’t help feeling abandoned and heartbroken to be missing out on everything she loves back home.

And then she meets Peri. He leaps and dives through the water like a dolphin and he talks like a burst of bubbles. He’s not exactly a mermaid, but he’s definitely something Ginika’s never seen before.

His family is far away too, but unlike Ginika, he loves his independence. As Ginika shows Peri her world, she starts to feel free as well. They don’t need anyone else when they’ve got each other. But then the lights and noise of the human world start to change Peri. And when things spin out of control, Ginika must be the bravest she’s ever been to face her fears and make the hardest decision of her life.

Join Ginika and Peri as they dive beneath the waves and walk the lands that will take them into each other’s worlds on an adventure they will never forget and a life-changing friendship.

Our Review Panel says...

When Ginika’s world is turned upside down, she finds herself staying at her grandparents’ guest house, miles from her home city and beloved Light Railway. She is separated from her parents and friends and is trying to put a positive spin on her summer holiday.

Ginika finds great comfort in the beach and it is here that she dances, twirls and it is here that she meets Peri. Peri is a boy like no other. He emerges from the sea with iridescent skin and a language of clicks. Ginika and Peri bond immediately; Peri asks no probing questions and makes no judgements – he is fun and he accepts Ginika and she him. Peri is intrigued and excited by Ginika’s human world and together the pair embark on adventures which are daring but which risk endangering Peri’s life.

The power and fragility of the sea are underlying themes of this story. It is action-packed and fast-paced, but carries with it key messages: debt, separation, friendship and environmental awareness. This is an enjoyable read with a good balance of peril, humour and compassion.

The Storm Swimmer

The Storm Swimmer

Book Details

Author:
Format:
Publish Date:

Booklists you might also like...

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments