Review by: Liz Geist
Published: 2022
Author/Illustrator: Dan Santat
Genres: Middle Grade Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure
Audience: Grades 4–7
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: The Aquanaut
Content Warnings: Loss and grief (death of a parent), and references to animal abuse/captivity.
Publisher’s Summary
Dive into this whimsically adventurous graphic novel from Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat! Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has spent her days at Aqualand, the marine theme park her dad and uncle created. But Sophia’s world is turned upside down when a mysterious “aquanaut” breaks into the park’s research lab.
To her amazement, Sophia discovers the diving suit is piloted by a band of four goofy sea creatures! When they realize that Aqualand has evolved into a dark corporate attraction rather than the sanctuary her father envisioned, Sophia and her new friends set out on a mission to free the park’s captive marine life before it’s too late.
Review
Dan Santat’s The Aquanaut is an emotional and socially conscious middle-grade graphic novel that takes us on a journey through family, loss, the environment and creatures (think Sea World drama that has a heartfelt adventure story). The book centers around Sophia and four sea creatures who take up residence inside an aquanaut diving suit. After losing her father in a tragic sea expedition, Sophia bumps into these creatures five years later as they are manning an aquanaut suit in search for Aqualand, a place promoted as a “safe haven” for sea life. They quickly realize it is anything but and together, they work to free an orca and other animals living in captivity.
What I appreciated most was how many meaningful themes were introduced without ever feeling too heavy or overwhelming. The theme of grief comes from multiple perspectives: Sophia mourning her father, Uncle Paul carrying the weight of losing his brother/research partner while being present when it happened, and even the sea creatures grieving the loss of their ocean home. Another theme of the controversy between conservation and keeping wild animals in captivity also runs quietly through the story and is incredibly relevant.
Courage also tops all themes, as Sophia, Uncle Paul, and the sea creatures each face moments where stepping up is the only option. Dan Santat has expressive illustrations and his ability to create charming and humorous characters really adds to the depth of the story. One critique is that I wished there had been more background on the sea creatures. Their story deserved more development, especially in the beginning of the novel. Overall, it was a heartfelt and a thought-provoking read that would be a wonderful choice for any middle grade reader who loves sea life and graphic novels.
🌊 Marine Conservation: Sanctuary vs. Captivity
The core conflict of The Aquanaut mirrors real-world debates regarding marine theme parks and the ethical treatment of large marine mammals like Orcas.
Key Concepts in Marine Advocacy
- Conservation: Protecting species and their habitats in the wild to ensure long-term survival.
- Captivity Issues: Large marine predators often suffer from “dorsal fin collapse,” decreased lifespans, and psychological stress when kept in small tanks.
- The “Sanctuary” Model: Unlike a theme park, a true sanctuary prioritizes the animal’s health and natural behaviors over public entertainment and profit.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Science (Marine Biology & Ecosystems): Use the book to discuss the needs of different sea creatures.
- Activity Idea: Research the four creatures inside the suit. Why would an octopus be good at “hand” movements? Why would a crab be good for leg stability?
- ELA (Perspectives on Grief): The reviewer noted that grief is shown from multiple angles.
- Activity Idea: Create a “Perspective Map.” Write how Sophia, Uncle Paul, and the Sea Creatures view the loss of “home” or “family.” How do their reactions differ?
- Ethics & Social Studies (Environmental Advocacy):
- Activity Idea: Debate the pros and cons of marine parks. Can they help with education, or do the harms of captivity outweigh the benefits? Write a “Mission Statement” for a truly ethical Aqualand.
- Art (Visual Literacy): Dan Santat is a Caldecott winner known for expressive characters.
- Activity Idea: Choose a page and analyze the characters’ facial expressions. How does Santat show “humor” and “heartbreak” at the same time without using words?
