El Niño

Gr 3-7–Gr 3-7–Ryan’s lyrical combination of otherworldly myth and contemporary narrative gorgeously explores a family’s overwhelming grief. As the primary narrator, Pabon voices thoughtful, slightly distant young Kai who’s getting back into competitive swimming. Two years ago, his older sister Cali disappeared while surfing—like their father, Cali was a “legend,” destined for the Olympics. Kai, once the “up-and-coming golden boy,” is committed to a summer of “Eat. Sleep. Swim.” with the elite team Aquarius that was once Cali’s. Interwoven with Kai’s aquatic journey is the story of Amazonian island queen Califia—Cali’s namesake—and her mysterious underwater mermalien kingdom. Announced with mystical bells and drums, Lavery solemnly narrates the mythical interstitials. Ryan reads her author’s note, adding provenance and history. Three additional voices—Oscar E. Fabella, Kim Ramirez, and René Ruiz—are credited at the recording’s end as supporting characters, including a fisherman, radio announcer, and newscaster, respectively.