Medina has devised an intricate underwater world full of fanciful explanations for ocean-related phenomena and unusual characters who would feel at home in Baum’s Oz (especially the taunting Needlers), matched by the Balbussos’ gorgeous, layered, mixed-media illustrations in grayscale. – Monica De Los Reyes, The Horn Book Reviews (starred)

With breathtaking underwater worldbuilding and eerie details, Medina’s latest immerses readers in Graciela’s ghostly realm, and they’ll root for the unlikely duo on their perilous quest. The Balbussos’ hauntingly beautiful illustrations enhance the story. The characters and setting evoke Spanish and Portuguese cultural influences. A thrilling, action-packed journey filled with heart, bravery, and ghostly exploits. – Kirkus (starred)

Newbery Medal winner and 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina uses hypnotic prose to conjure an oceanic realm teeming with wonders that speak to the interconnectedness of land and sea. Anna and Elena Balbusso, who have together illustrated more than 50 titles, create enchanting mixed media art featuring diaphanous shapes and layers of texture. The Balbusso twins’ illustrations are as inky as the deep’s dark waters. Seemingly insurmountable odds and grief bring suspense to a supernatural underwater tale as immersive, majestic, and alluring as the deep sea itself. –  Samantha Zabowski, Shelf Awareness Pro (starred)

Fusing elements of magical realism with introspective, high-stakes plotting, the Newbery Medalist tackles subjects such as parental neglect and abuse, jealousy, and greed in this richly imagined tale. Haunting b&w illustrations by the Balbusso twins (Sisters in Science) depict Graciela’s underwater world and indicate narrative shifts. – Publishers Weekly (starred)

Medina effortlessly builds a magical marine world that feels fished from folklore, and the manner in which each story in the narrative informs the others is beautifully crafted. Rich in compelling characters, complicated emotions, and originality, this epic writ small will dazzle its readers.  – Booklist (starred)

Emotions ground the story. People contend with greed, fear of abandonment, and suspicion about others’ true motivations, all of which shape their decisions. Graciela in the Abyss is a glimmering fantasy novel about selflessness, duty, and friendship. – Foreward

Medina crafts a uniquely magical world that is fleshed out with enough lore to be compelling but not overwritten to lose its appealing mystique… The ocean setting and gentle fantastical elements make this a solid read alike to Ryan’s El Nino. -The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 

​​An excellent fit for readers of fantasy and ghost stories, Graciela will make readers feel near the sea, hearing old stories passed around a campfire. – Kristin Brynsvold (School Library Journal)