A Song Below Water: A Novel
by Bethany C. Morrow
Buy on AmazonBethany C. Morrow's A Song Below Water is the story for today’s readers — a captivating modern fantasy about black mermaids, friendship, and self-discovery set against the challenges of today's racism and sexism. In a society determined to keep her under lock and key, Tavia must hide her siren powers. Meanwhile, Effie is fighting her own family struggles, pitted against literal demons from her past. Together, these best friends must navigate through the perils of high school’s junior year. But everything changes in the aftermath of a siren murder trial that rocks the nation, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical voice at the worst possible moment. Soon, nothing in Portland, Oregon, seems safe.…
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"A Song Below Water is a refreshing new take on the “Supernatural Beings Walk Among Us” trope. Tavia is a siren, forced to hide her ability to compel others with her voice. Effie is trying to start over, leaving the traumas of her past behind. Their friendship sustains them as they try to seem like normal high school juniors and protect each other from the forces that seek to dismantle their literal Black Girl Magic. In this magic-infused version of America, having a voice is literally a superpower – a powerful message for the times we’re living in."
NPR Books We Love — 2020 · apps.npr.org