Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez is a middle-grade story of Kalama, a young slave girl who lives in a native Hawaiian village on O’ahu before the Western settlers’ arrival. It begins when Kalama was found as an infant ashore after a storm. She grows up an outcast in her master’s household. Fortunately, she is raised by the elderly and extremely patient slave named Malia—the only person who genuinely loves her. Bound by the rigid customs of the village and constantly teased by other kids, Kalama’s only solace is in the sea, specifically with Ona, an unusually large honu (sea turtle) who surprisingly understands her in a way others cannot. When Kalama's bond with Ona and the ocean deepens into something far more extraordinary, she is swept into a hidden world of mermaids, ancient legends, and a destiny tied to her mysterious arrival on the island years before.

Amanda L. Vasquez clearly did her homework, weaving authentic details of pre-contact Hawaiian village life, customs, and belief systems into the story with real care and specificity, from the making of kapa cloth to the concept of mana and the strict social rules that govern Kalama's world. That grounded, textured opening makes the fantasy elements that follow feel weighty once the story moves into its Oceanrider mythology. Kalama is an easy character to root for: stubborn, warm-hearted, and shaped by loneliness in a way that is genuine rather than melodramatic. The themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery run through the whole book, and the emotional payoff of watching an unwanted, overlooked girl come into her own is satisfying. Recommended for young readers who love the sea, mermaids, and fantasy.

In Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez, eleven-year-old Kalama lives as a slave in an O‘ahu village in pre-contact Hawai‘i, after being found as a baby beside a wrecked canoe with a gold necklace linking her to the family she never knew. Kalama is drawn to the ocean, which can heal her wounds. When she protects Ona, a sea turtle, from being killed at a chief’s ceremony, Kalama discovers that the sea holds a secret about her. Her actions place her in danger within the village, forcing her to leave the home she remembers. With Ona as her guide, Kalama travels toward Olaga, a mermaid kingdom where she hopes to discover what the ocean may reveal about her hidden past and origins.

Amanda L. Vasquez’s Secrets of the Sea is a middle-grade historical fantasy adventure rooted in Hawaiian tradition, following a heroine’s journey across Pacific waters. The story has so much heart, with tenderness creating closeness in its relationships. Malia, the enslaved woman who raised Kalama, comforts her by explaining that her name means 'flaming torch.' Kalama is wonderful, with resourceful self-reliance evident when she offers hungry sharks fish for passage. The supporting characters have individual mannerisms, giving each one an unmistakable sense of self. Sea turtle Ona speaks with the calm phrasing of a patient elder, while merman guard Cornelius has a courtly formality shown when he greets women with hand kisses. The book is filled with beautifully described settings, with geography incorporated into Kalama’s travels. Middle-grade readers who enjoy mermaid fantasy are in for a treat with this ocean adventure. Very highly recommended.

Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez introduces Kalama, an orphaned resident of O’ahu whose entire childhood is spent feeling disconnected from the people around her. Her life changes breathtakingly when she rescues Queen Ona, the sea turtles’ legendary ruler, from a highly dangerous confrontation with some hunters. Appreciating the girl’s bold stand, Ona gifts her an Oceanrider’s unique talents, enabling Kalama to command water currents and communicate telepathically with all aquatic life. Confounded by the immediate threat of an impending execution from the island’s powerful priests, she abandons her homeland and takes to the waves, counting on her loyal shark friends’ navigation to guide her safely to a mysterious underwater city. Will Kalama successfully endure this treacherous voyage and uncover the ancient mysteries behind her royal heritage?

Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez is a fascinating children’s fantasy that builds a marvelous mythology around the concept of an Oceanrider. Vasquez does a great job of shaping the distinct cultures, showing the difference between the fearful beliefs of the islanders and the peaceful world-building of the ocean dwellers. This deep-sea society operates under a fascinating cosmology where all creatures live under the guidance of a benevolent God of Creation. Under Ona’s spiritual guidance, Kalama discovers that her connection to this loving deity is the key to mastering her water manipulation skills. The author’s writing style is natural and warm, creating a beautifully balanced conflict that is meaningful for young minds. It’s an engaging, faith-based children’s story for any young reader who loves exploring rich magical settings and deep animal friendships.

Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez takes you back in time for an unforgettable, magical fantasy adventure. Step into the stunning beauty of O’ahu 250 years ago in a place that Kalama calls home. However, the eleven-year-old girl feels misunderstood, which keeps her isolated from the others, but soon something extraordinary happens. Something that sparks a journey of mystery and self-discovery. It all starts with a chance encounter with a sea turtle that leads her to discover she has the unique gift of communicating with sea creatures. Plus, she has a special connection to water with the ability to control it. It’s through this power that she learns of secrets that have been kept buried beneath the sea for centuries and that are now being brought to the surface.

Children will love the wonder and magic they see through Kalama’s perspective. Amanda L. Vasquez sets the story in the past to give the adventure a unique magical atmosphere. The historical Hawaiian setting sets up the struggles that she faces, from her place in society to her role as a young girl and how she rises above expectations. The fantasy elements are derived from the connection to water and sea creatures, which gives Kalama endless possibilities. This ability is also a metaphor for growing up and the possibilities that come with it. Illustrations sprinkled throughout give the story a playfulness while also showing her connection to the water. These enable children to see moments throughout her journey as they read. In this charming adventure, discover the mystery of the Secrets of the Sea.

Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez is about an eleven-year-old girl named Kalama. She feels isolated and misunderstood by the people in her village. However, everything changes when Kalama saves a sea turtle named Ona from death. This experience changes everything about Kalama's life. She can communicate with sea creatures and manipulate water as an Oceanrider. Her newfound ability opens a door to adventure for her. After a while, facing punishment from the priests, she set out for a journey into the sea toward the Kingdom of Olaga. Will she survive and eventually find her heart's desire and a place to call home?

Secrets of the Sea by Amanda L. Vasquez tells an amazing story. At the beginning, the pacing is a bit slow because it talks about the ways of the village, how they dress in kapa cloth and their customs. The part where she gains her power is a good addition to make the story progress. I love the setting and Kalama as a character. She moves from being a slave to someone noble when she learns that her golden necklace shows she is a mermaid princess. It helped me understand how to always love and chase my heart's desires, no matter the difficult situation I find myself in. It is also about finding our place in this world, choosing trust over fear. This is a sweet, sincere book where the author makes me feel that "being different is not a curse but a gift.”