Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew
Published by Quill Tree Books on 4/28/26
ISBN: 0063294079
Genres: Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This middle grade novel combines South Korean folklore and fantasy to tell Jung’s story of grief and growth.  Every twelve-year-old girl on Haemin Island participates in a diving ceremony, but ever since her mother disappeared in the water, Jung has been afraid of the water.  Jung freezes and doesn’t make the dive.  Later, still upset, Jung has an accident and is swept away in the water, but she doesn’t drown.  Instead, she ends up in the water realm of the Dragon’s Queendom, trapped with all the other palace girls kidnapped by the queen.  Forced into servanthood, Jung focuses on escape, a pursuit that could be deadly.  She befriends Prince Jae who is planning to escape his death and run away. Instead, they team up to escape together.  They face many dangers, the most lethal being Jae’s mother.  But with the help of a little red dragon, they are able to strip the queen of her power and survive.

The journey to freedom has changed Jae and Jung.  Jae has become more aware of the negative impacts his mother has had on people’s living conditions and the responsibility that comes with being a ruler.  Jung has become more confident and braver, and more willing to share her fears with her friends and father.  When Jung returns to Haemin, she takes these lessons with her, though she and none of the freed palace girls reveal what actually happened while they were missing.

This novel is ideal for upper elementary or middle grade readers, especially those who are interested in folklore or who like fantasy.  There is plenty of action to keep readers hooked and Jung’s voice as a narrator is fun and authentic.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library