Reviews with content warning for Bullying - La noia del mar

I absolutely adored the art style and color palette, but was shocked to discover that this story was not as lighthearted as I thought that it would be. Mental health and coming to terms with sexuality were at the forefront of this one, along with strained familial relationships (a recently divorced mother and a younger brother who outed his older sister/our main character Morgan... yuck).

My main "issue" with this is that I wish that Keltie's subplot wasn't included - it felt thrown in and I would've much rather kept 100% of my focus on Morgan's journey. Their romance was cute though, and felt super realistic (sans the fact that

Keltie was a selkie (aka seal-folk)

. I also didn't really understand why Morgan was friends with the girls she was friends with - there didn't seem to be much chemistry and the dynamic was just off (beyond having a "leader" of the group).

Ultimately I enjoyed this more than The Witch Boy, but I don't think Ostertag's stories are for me.

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friendofdorothea's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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kshertz's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I love this graphic novel. It’s very sweet and wholesome. A girl falling in love with a girl from the sea. They’re each dealing with a lot and becoming their true selves. I think a lot of young women would be inspired by this book and feel validated about who they love and who they are. I can’t wait to recommend to my students. It’s a super fast read too! I finished it in a day!

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shingekiyes's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

very sweet sapphic graphic novel that gave me butterflies and made me shed a tear of happiness. super adorable story about a baby gay kelpie and her human gf!

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alexisgarcia's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

ahhhh this was so cute!!! i absolutely loved the main characters and their relationship. i also liked how the book explored divorce, familial falling outs, coming out, teenage friendships, etc. i also felt like the dialogue, especially between the main character and her friends, was incredibly realistic. it was pretty spot on to how a lot of teenage girls talk and text which i appreciated. i really hope a volume 2 gets released!!!

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baponthecob's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

the pacing was on the fast side for me. this book couldve benefitred from a little more nuance, but I understand that's not the kind of story everyone wants to tell.
the characters and relationships were realistic, although I think the romance was too rushed. so was the resolution.

realistically, things get messy and there are ups and downs, and awkwardness, and unsureness before you can really go back to being true friends with someone you've disconnected from. I'm envious of the optimistic ending, but i think that makes me appreciate it more

I think I read this book at the right time in my life. it's given me hope that maybe things will turn out ok

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penofpossibilities's review against another edition

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relaxing fast-paced

3.0

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