  | Shim Jung takes the dive Author: Riew, Julia | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Jung doesn't believe in magic--not the powerful dragons, mystical sea creatures, or any of the other fantastical stories whispered by the elders of her hometown. That is, until one horrible mistake sends her falling into the ocean during a raging storm, down to a magical underwater kingdom that she never believed existed.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.50 Points: 9.0 Quiz: 558895 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/15/26)
School Library Journal (05/02/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/03/26)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 05/02/2026 Gr 3–7—Shim Jung has had the most humiliating day of her life. She just failed "the Dive"—a rite of passage where 12-year-old girls take turns leaping off the edge of the cliffside and into the depths of the ocean to search for a treasure that predicts their futures—in front of everyone on Haemin Island. This is because Shim developed a fear of water after her mother perished during an accident four years ago. As she broods about it, one of the island's freak storms strikes and knocks Shim into the ocean, and she is pulled into its depths. Shim is taken to the underwater palace where she meets the Dragon Queen, and she is kept prisoner as a servant in the palace. After Shim meets the rebellious Prince Jae, both brainstorm a way to break out. After their escape, Shim needs to figure out what happened to her mother and find a way home before the next storm destroys Haemin Island. The narrative is balanced between the pace of the plot and the themes of family and bravery. Shim Jung, her appa, and the rest of the denizens on Haemin Island are based on folklore and the divers from South Korea's Jeju Island. The inhabitants of the Dragon Queendom are described as having "paler" complexions. This middle grade novel should be handed to fans of authors including Tae Keller, Yoon Ha Lee, and Graci Kim. VERDICT A plucky narrative about facing fears inspired by South Korean folklore and fantastical elements.—Lois Young - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
