Emerge

Gr 9 Up—Lia Nautilus appears to be a typical California teen. She hangs out with her friends, fights with her sisters, and has a huge crush on her fellow classmate Clay. However, Lia is a mermaid. In this series opener, the protagonist tries to live among humans, along with her family and the other Mer people who have chosen to live above water to escape the turmoil and war going on beneath the ocean. Lia's family, along with many others of their kind, have created the Foundation, which is a cover for the Mer people so that they can survive and thrive above water. Lia does her best to avoid Clay, knowing that there can never be anything between them. However, when a new Mer teen, Mel, comes to her school and chooses Clay as her boyfriend, Lia warily watches until she realizes that this new girl doesn't appear to be following the rules of the Mer. When she accidentally walks in on Mel performing a forbidden custom of the Mer on Clay, she knows she must do everything in her power to save him. But how far is she willing to risk her own life to save his? The heroine is innocent and strong-willed. She follows her beliefs and puts others before herself. This is a fresh and exciting new story that addresses realistic themes set in a fantastical world. Teens will be able to connect with Lia and be immersed in Easton's world-building.