By Micael Nance
A must read that blends important representation and heartwarming characters to create a powerful book about communication and empathy.
Rating:
Review:
The Sea of Curiosity by Michael Nance follows Stix Hendrickson, a young boy who is mostly deaf. He is as adventurous as any other kid, but the sea is his favorite. But, when a storm rolls through his small fishing village, Stix and his family’s life gets turned upside down. Stix and his sister, Harmony, find an octopus struggling to survive in the tide pools. Soon, Stix is learning to communicate in ways beyond hearing, cracking open the world of an octopus through colors, gestures, and patterns. As Stix and the octopus, Tug, learn to communicate more and more, Stix’s own armor begins to fall, and he begins to be heard in ways he never has before.
Overall, this book is a fantastic representation of hearing impairments and disabilities written specifically for young readers. While many middle grade books skip over the hard topics, The Sea of Curiosityembraces them and provides a conversation starter, and it allows children to really understand what disabilities can look like. Nance beautifully writes a book that doesn’t treat Stix’s impairment as a barrier to overcome, but as something fundamentally beautiful and tied to the core of his being. This brings to light wonderful representation that actually uplifts readers that relate to Stix’s struggles, and it builds real empathy for those who have not.
In addition, this novel sheds light on the complexity of humans and the ways in which we communicate. While most books focus on the primary way we communicate, that being speech, this book explores all the hidden communication that humans have. Through Tug and Stix’s relationship and learning each other’s “languages,” Nance portrays how taking the time to notice small things can unlock entirely new worlds of wonder. This in and of itself builds a quiet kind of awareness that is vital for children to foster and for adults to hold onto.
Lastly, while this book is intended for a middle grade audience, it truly is for everyone. The writing and plot is engaging for an adult and child alike, and it provides powerful commentary that every single one of us can benefit from. It empowers those with unending curiosity, and encourages readers to keep learning and keep exploring the world.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this book is a must-read for everyone, especially young readers who crave heartfelt novels with unique characters. If you’ve ever felt like no one truly hears or understands you, The Sea of Curiosity is for you.
Thank you to Reedsy for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an editorial review. All opinions are my own.
Feel free to check out the official review on Reedsy!
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