El Niño

by Pam Muñoz Ryan Narrated by Timothy Andrés Pabon, E. J. Lavery

Overview

An enthralling aquatic adventure rippling with mystery and magical realism from the beloved, New York Times bestselling author of Esperanza Rising and Echo. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Tae Keller, Jacqueline Woodson, and Meg Medina.

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

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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

* "Ryan’s latest is a whirlwind of emotions, a story that glistens like sunlight on waves and plunges deep into grief, identity, and destiny. . . Ryan weaves a narrative that moves like the tide, one that is at times calm and reflective, and at others wild and relentless. . . A breathtaking story infused with magical realism. With poetic and evocative prose, the book captures the ache of loss and the hope that lingers even in the most unpredictable currents. . . More than a novel, this is a journey into the heart of a boy searching for answers and a lost piece of himself, and a story that will linger with readers." —School Library Journal, starred review

"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

Kirkus Reviews

2025-02-15
San Diego boy Kai Sosa’s older sister, Cali, was a championship swimmer; two years ago, she disappeared in a dense ocean fog and is presumed dead.

When Kai is recruited by Cali’s elite swim team, he faces the pressure of living up to her legacy while navigating his grief and struggling to reclaim his competitive edge in the sport. The coaches have an unorthodox approach that leaves Kai and his teammates questioning whether they’ll be ready to compete. Amid this turmoil, Kai discovers an overdue library book that Cali borrowed,The Elusive Island of California. It’s filled with lore about Queen Califia and a mythical submerged island. The book’s tales of gold, a Library of Despair and Sorrow, and a mysterious underwater realm strike an eerie chord with Kai. As vivid dreams and sleepwalking episodes draw him to the ocean, Mexican American Kai begins to wonder if the legendary island could actually exist and if the myths might hold clues to Cali’s disappearance. Blending the emotional depth of grief with the intrigue of mythology, Ryan’s story explores the intersection of family, resilience, and natural weather cycles in Southern California. The magic of the Califia legend is tempered by the reality of life after loss, and both aspects of the story are richly detailed. The navy blue font and Cepeda’s striking illustrations complement the uniquely beautiful story.(This review was updated for clarity.)A compelling tale of love, loss, and myth. (author’s note)(Fiction. 8-13)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192436400
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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