• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3
• Reading age: 7 to 8

Shy Dylan arrives at a summer arts camp and immediately bonds with outgoing Coral over the aquatic theme of the camp and a love of comic books. The two girls plan a comic about lifeguards who are transformed into mermaids and fight for eco-justice in the sea. The mermaid warriors become Dylan and Coral's alter egos. But when Coral's in-your-face behavior draws the attention of the camp mean girls and a boy who is determined to prank the camp's final show, Dylan has a decision to make. Should she stay behind the scenes, or should she channel her inner mermaid warrior to save Coral and the show?

Using illustrations throughout, this book combines humorous text with an exciting comic-book adventure.

KARIN ADAMS is the author of Lights! Curtains! Cows! (Lorimer, 2009) and No TV” No Fair! (Lorimer Streetlights, 2010). She shares her passion for creative writing with young people through Manitoba¿s Artists in the Schools program and in her popular library workshops. Karin has also worked as an instructor at the University of Winnipeg. She lives in East St. Paul, Manitoba.

Karin Adams' profile page

Janine Carrington is a Black illustrator and comicographer with a playful, eye-catching approach. Janine has illustrated a variety of comics, workbooks, ad other projects around a theme of empowerment and Black excellence. After travel and art practice around the world, including stints in Italy, Japan, Brazil, and Morocco, Carrington returned to Toronto where she makes her home (for now).

Janine Carrington's profile page

"Readers will identify with Dylan's difficulties in navigating social situations ... The combination of graphic novel and chapter book, as well as the short chapters and appealing narrative make Mermaid Warrior Squad an excellent choice for reluctant readers."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the characters are well developed and will appeal to readers who may see themselves (or a friend) in Dylan and Coral. The struggles Dylan faces with bullies, identity and shyness are age appropriate and well written."

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