El Niño

From the New York Times bestselling author of Esperanza Rising comes a riveting story that blends myth, fantasy, and reality into an entrancing adventure, perfect for fans of Meg Medina, Kate DiCamillo, and Rick Riordan.

"An inventive, absorbing novel." --New York Times Book Review

★ "Glistens like sunlight on waves." --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Ryan's skill as a writer shines." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

★ "Lingers like the echo of thunder--powerful, haunting, and deeply core-shaking." --Shelf Awareness, starred review

Sometimes the only way to hold onto what we love is to let go.

Kai Sosa is so passionate about swimming he is practically a fish. This summer, he's determined to become the athlete he once was on an elite swim team.

But something invisible holds him back. His race times are off. Dreams of his sister Cali haunt him. And he hasn't found her missing gold cuff, her last request. Mom is still talking about grief, even though it's been two years since she disappeared. He's fine now, isn't he?

When Kai discovers a library book Cali had checked out multiple times--about an underwater realm and a mysterious place called the Library of Despair and Sorrow--details from the story begin to appear in his own life: dolphin pods, imposing rock towers, unusual sea creatures, and even Cali's beloved bracelet. As myth and reality collide, El Niño unleashes its fury, and Kai is swept up in a storm of events that will change his understanding of love, death, grief, and how best to honor those we've lost.

Exquisitely packaged with breathtaking illustrations by award-winning artist Joe Cepeda and printed in blue ink.

Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 05/06/2025
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.96lbs
Size: 8.80h x 5.66w x 0.98d
ISBN: 9781338068559
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 554671 / Nino


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/03/2025
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2025
School Library Journal 04/01/2025 pg. 121
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2025
Booklist 04/01/2025 pg. 110
Shelf Awareness 05/10/2025
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2025 pg. 104
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2025 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author

Pam Muñoz Ryan is the recipient of the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award, the PEN Center USA Award, and the 2024 Children's Literature Legacy Award for her body of work. She was the 2018 and is the 2026 US nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She received a Newbery Honor Medal and the Kirkus Prize for her New York Times bestselling novel, Echo. Her other celebrated novels, Esperanza Rising, The Dreamer, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi León, Paint the Wind, and Mañanaland, have received countless accolades, among them the Pura Belpré Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and the Américas Award. Her acclaimed picture books include Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride and the Sibert Honor book When Marian Sang, both illustrated by Brian Selznick, Mice and Beans illustrated by Joe Cepeda, and Tony Baloney illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, as well as a beginning reader series featuring Tony Baloney. Ryan lives near San Diego, California, with her family.

Joe Cepeda is the Pura Belpré Honor-winning illustrator of more than thirty books for children, some of which he has written. He also created the iconic cover art for Pam Muñoz Ryan's bestselling novel, Esperanza Rising. Cepeda received the Recognition of Merit Award from the George G. Stone Center for Children's Books and is a former president of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. He lives in Southern California with his family. Learn more at joecepeda.com.