Deep Water by Watt Key
on April 17th 2018
ISBN: 0374306540
Pages: 264
Goodreads

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. But, then again, this is the first book I read by Watt Key, and I will definitely be reading more by this author. This adventure-filled novel features Julie Simms, a strong, accomplished 12-year old SCUBA diver, who lives with her father, Gibson. Gibson owns a struggling SCUBA diving tour company on the coast of Alabama, and Julie often tags along with her father, especially when he is not feeling well. Gibson believes his SCUBA diving business is about to take off when he finds an untouched sunken ship. The first customers Gibson and Julie take out to this new site are Hank Jordan and his son, Shane who happens to be Julie’s classmate. The Jordans are wealthy, entitled, and arrogant, which leads to them making poor decisions under water. Julie, Hank, and Joran become separated from Gibson and the boat, and find themselves in deep water, both figuratively and metaphorically. 

Those interested in strong female leads, adventure, or SCUBA diving will enjoy this novel, and middle graders coping with divorce will relate to Julie’s relationship with her parents. This is a middle grades novel recommended for ages 10-14. 

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth