Published: 2021
Author: Rick Riordan
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Mythology, Retellings
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 5-9
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: Daughter of the Deep
Triggers: Death of parents, school tragedy, explosive violence, maritime peril
Review By: Margaret Elliott
Publisher’s Summary
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana’s parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family she’s got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. (And they’ve heard all the Harry Potter jokes already, so don’t go there.)
Ana’s freshman year culminates with the class’s weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it’ll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.
But wait, there’s more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that Harding-Pencroft has been fighting a cold war against its rival school, Land Institute, for 150 years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full boil, and the freshmen are in danger of becoming fish food.
In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.
Review
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana’s parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family she’s got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana’s freshman year culminates with the class’s weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it’ll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives. But wait, there’s more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for a hundred and fifty years. Now that the cold war has been turned up to a full boil, the freshmen are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.
This fast-paced book will be read by Rick Riordan fans and will earn him some new readers as well. Many fans will be happy to see a female protagonist at the helm of this story. Students will be drawn to the action and will be rooting for Ana and her classmates. A diverse cast of characters will resonate with readers as they face challenge after challenge. The AI technology will intrigue science fiction fans and have readers wondering about how technology is developed and who controls it. Just like Rick Riordan’s earlier books generated interest in mythology, this book may even end up generating interest in the classic Jules Verne story.
Classroom & Curricular Connections
- ELA / Literary Retellings: This novel serves as a brilliant bridge to classic literature, specifically Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Educators can use it to teach how classic science fiction can be modernized, recontextualized, and adapted for contemporary audiences.
- Science & Technology / AI Ethics: The advanced AI systems and underwater technologies featured in the book offer excellent integration points for STEM/STEAM discussions regarding technological development, automation ownership, and the ethical responsibilities of creators.
- SEL (Social-Emotional Learning): Highly applicable for lessons on leadership under pressure, team dynamics, processing grief after losing parents, and building resilience when faced with sudden, life-altering challenges.
Diversity & Representation
The book beautifully supports equity and inclusion by placing a strong, capable female protagonist at the helm of a major sci-fi adventure. It features a thoughtfully diverse cast of characters whose varied backgrounds resonate deeply with real-world readers, ensuring that teens see meaningful representation as the team navigates complex high-stakes obstacles together.
Readalikes
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
- The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
- Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
