What do you think?
Rate this book
Underwater
Sixth-grader Gabe feels out of depth in school and worries that he may have learning disabilities like his older brother, but he gains some self-confidence after joining the local swim team and working at a local aquarium store.
155 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
17 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 8, 2020
My granddaughter gave me the book to me two years ago. She said it was very good. It was a quick 155 page evening read.
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com
If one more person tells 12-year-old Gabe Livingston that he needs to learn to "float above" his feelings or to "rise above" his anger, he'll lose it! Especially since all he ever wants to do is dive below the rest of the world...way below, like into a deep sea canyon. Gabe longs to be a marine explorer, like his hero, Jacques Cousteau.
Not only is the world below the surface beautiful and full of interesting life, it's nowhere near as chaotic and confusing as people. If the kids at school wouldn't make him so mad, if his mother wouldn't push him to go outside and play games he can't stand, everything would be fine. But, Gabe's constantly forced to deal with people and situations he wants nothing to do with, and he has to find a way to survive somewhere besides Underwater.
This character-driven novel has a strong voice in its main character. Gabe is a typical boy with typical problems, but they'll resonate deeply with young readers.
Like most kids this age, Gabe finds it difficult to control his emotions and anger. Things that make sense to him don't even seem to be on the radars of the people around him, and vice versa. He has frequent blow ups and feels frustrated and confused when he has to deal with the consequences. Especially when other kids seem to have everything go their way. Again, something to which nearly everyone can relate.
Watching Gabe Livingston learn to navigate the real world along with his beloved deep sea diving video game is priceless. Levy's character building and story telling skills are exceptional from page one. They make a quiet book speak volumes.
If one more person tells 12-year-old Gabe Livingston that he needs to learn to "float above" his feelings or to "rise above" his anger, he'll lose it! Especially since all he ever wants to do is dive below the rest of the world...way below, like into a deep sea canyon. Gabe longs to be a marine explorer, like his hero, Jacques Cousteau.
Not only is the world below the surface beautiful and full of interesting life, it's nowhere near as chaotic and confusing as people. If the kids at school wouldn't make him so mad, if his mother wouldn't push him to go outside and play games he can't stand, everything would be fine. But, Gabe's constantly forced to deal with people and situations he wants nothing to do with, and he has to find a way to survive somewhere besides Underwater.
This character-driven novel has a strong voice in its main character. Gabe is a typical boy with typical problems, but they'll resonate deeply with young readers.
Like most kids this age, Gabe finds it difficult to control his emotions and anger. Things that make sense to him don't even seem to be on the radars of the people around him, and vice versa. He has frequent blow ups and feels frustrated and confused when he has to deal with the consequences. Especially when other kids seem to have everything go their way. Again, something to which nearly everyone can relate.
Watching Gabe Livingston learn to navigate the real world along with his beloved deep sea diving video game is priceless. Levy's character building and story telling skills are exceptional from page one. They make a quiet book speak volumes.
July 16, 2015
Didnt really get the piint of this book. Not sure if the main character was supposed to be depressed or autistic...siblings could have had better roles but they were VERY minor. Parents wrre not really "present" for the main character. Read whole book and jyst left with "whatever" feeling. Too bed. Could have been more...
November 23, 2008
I liked this book a lot! Recommend this book to peeps who have trouble in life (like mua) and who love little fishies!
May 13, 2013
Touching character study of a sixth grader with anger issues. The description of the fish as living art was terrific. I loved how the home aquarium was such a healing force in this boy's life.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews