El Niño

About this book

Sometimes the only way to hold onto what we love is to let go.

Kai Sosa is so passionate about swimming he is practically a fish. This summer, he’s determined to become the athlete he once was on an elite swim team.

But something invisible holds him back. His race times are off. Dreams of his sister Cali haunt him. And he hasn’t found her missing gold cuff, her last request. Mom is still talking about grief, even though it’s been two years since she disappeared. He’s fine now, isn’t he?

When Kai discovers a library book Cali had checked out multiple times—about an underwater realm and a mysterious place called the Library of Despair and Sorrow—details from the story begin to appear in his own life: dolphin pods, imposing rock towers, unusual sea creatures, and even Cali’s beloved bracelet. As myth and reality collide, El Niño unleashes its fury, and Kai is swept up in a storm of events that will change his understanding of love, death, grief, and how best to honor those we’ve lost.

Exquisitely packaged with breathtaking illustrations by award-winning artist Joe Cepeda and printed in blue ink.

Reviews

Praise for El Niño:

"A brilliant amalgamation of myth, nature, sport, and loss. I've never read anything like it!" —JASON REYNOLDS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Look Both Ways and the Track series

"A gem! I never would have predicted what happens." —JOHN SCHU, librarian and author of the New York Times bestseller Louder Than Hunger

"Another instant classic from Pam Muñoz Ryan. An epic tale of resilience and hope, a true masterpiece." —ERNESTO CISNEROS, award-winning author of Efrén Divided and Falling Short

"Will break your heart wide open and piece it back together, one stroke at a time. I couldn't put it down." —C.C. HARRINGTON, author of the Schneider Family Book award winner Wildoak

"A beautiful, graceful, and powerful tale for our times, from a master storyteller." —DEBORAH WILES, two-time National Book Award finalist and author of Kent State

"Striking illustrations complement the uniquely beautiful story. A compelling tale of love, loss, and myth." —Kirkus Reviews

"Eighth grader Kai Sosa contends with grief following his older sister’s death in this powerful tale by Newbery Honoree Muñoz Ryan. . . Delicate, blue-lined digital illustrations by Cepeda amp up the surreal atmosphere and magical realism elements of Kai’s journey through loss." —Publishers Weekly