This is an amazing book. Five shining stars from me. Verónica is a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia. Swimming started out as a way to ease the pain from her hip, but now the pool is her safe space. Verónica is amazed by the mermaids at Mermaid Cove, her small Florida town’s claim to fame. Then she discovers that Mermaid Cove is holding auditions for a new mermaid. But Verónica’s parents would never allow her to try out. They would also never allow her to hang out with Alex, her new neighbor. Ever since they found her kissing a boy in the hot tub, they haven’t allowed her within a mile of guys. But Alex makes Verónica feel safe. Emboldened by her friends, Alex, and her sister, Verónica auditions to be a mermaid. But will she get the part, and will her parents ever forgive her if they find out? I loved this book so much. Any teen who longs to see more disability representation in books, or just anyone who likes reading should definitely check this out.
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