El Niño (Spanish Edition)

Gr 3-7–This is a stirring and emotionally rich story that dives deep into grief, healing, and the powerful connection between memory and the sea. The story follows Kai Sosa, a young swimmer burdened by the emotional weight of his family’s legacy, and unresolved feelings when it comes to the loss of his sister, Cali. As he pushes forward, trying to stay focused on competition and performance, Kai’s dreams and visions begin to pull him into something deeper—a mystical world where love and sorrow intertwine. Ryan’s storytelling is beautifully atmospheric, layering magical realism with very real grief and longing; vivid descriptions connect readers to what Kai goes through. The ocean becomes both mystery and metaphor, a space where Kai begins to unravel not only the secrets of the past but also the emotions he’s tried to keep buried. As Kai connects with an otherworldly sea creature and discovers pieces of Cali’s past, the novel shines, connecting themes of the heart and showing us how it is to go through a journey to find meaning. El Niño is more than a coming-of-age story, it’s a tribute to the unspoken bonds that remain after loss, and a moving reminder that sometimes, letting go is the bravest act of love.