Imani's Undersea Adventure

I thought this book was fantastic! It is presented in such a way, I thought that I was reading a scholastic book. The illustrations are great and the learning about scuba divers, sharks, sunken treasure is sure to keep your child interested. This book also talks about the pioneering black marine biologists who study sharks. I loved the details about Imani’s grandfather’s story of when he was a kid and learning to swim and how it was difficult for blacks to get access to a pool. It gave a real relationship feel to the whole trip that the two had going to visit the aquarium that day. I would definitely recommend this book for marine enthusiasts and teachers. This would be an excellent addition to a classroom. --Kid's Picture Book Review

Imani's Undersea Adventure by T. M. Jackson takes place in an aquarium. Imani, a young black girl, and her grandfather are touring the aquarium. As her grandfather starts to share with her facts about the aquatic life they are seeing, Imani notices a scuba diver in the tanks. Her grandfather takes this opportunity to share with her what the young woman is doing. He also points out some young black female marine scientists that are teaching young people like herself about the oceans. As they continue to tour the aquarium, her grandfather shares with her some other important facts about black history. Imani listens and absorbs all the things her grandfather is sharing with her and decides that someday she would like to study sharks too.

Imani's Undersea Adventure is a fantastic children's book. Imani and her grandfather have a tight loving bond. What T. M. Jackson does so well is incorporate facts about black history seamlessly into the story. As a former children's librarian, this is exactly the type of book that I would purchase for my library. The story is engaging and positive and presents information that most young children don't get exposed to in a very accessible way. The illustrations by Darwin Marfil are expressive and enhance the story, especially the bond that Imani shares with her grandfather. Imani's Undersea Adventure is an uplifting story that will encourage all kids, especially young black girls, to pursue their dreams. I highly recommend Imani's Undersea Adventure for all public and school libraries! --Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite