Discover an ocean of Black History with Imani!Imani doesn’t like sharks.
They have big mouths, filled with big teeth, perfect for eating small children like her.
But when Grandpapa takes Imani to the aquarium, she learns about marine biologists and scuba divers – clever people who study and swim with sharks!
As Imani discovers the treasures of the deep, she realizes that the ocean is not always a scary place.
And it turns out the seabed holds other secrets too...
This fun educational read is filled with pioneering African Americans who are sure to inspire the next generation of marine biologists from all over the world.
Imani’s story allows parents and caregivers to have important conversations with young readers about difficult aspects of history in a child-friendly, age-appropriate context.
Scroll up and click ‘buy now’ to join Imani on her undersea adventure today!
When I picked up Imani's Undersea Adventure to read to my granddaughter, I thought it was about a little girl's adventures visiting an aquarium, but it is so much more than that. Imani is young African American girl who is visiting the local aquarium for the first time with her Grandfather. As all young children so, Imani asks a lot of questions. Her grandfather is so patient and answers her questions as well as sharing information about marine biology, marine archaeology and black history. Grandfather shares information about slave ships, segregation, Black Female Marine Biologists and the First Black Scuba Diver. I love the way grandfather not only teaches Imani, but inspires her to lose her fear and possibly to follow a career path in the future. Wonderful illustrations highlight this simple yet insightful story. At the end of the book, T.M. Jackson includes a resource page to help connect families to marine sciences. There are locations of aquariums, museums, and websites that share history, swim lesson locations and research articles. I always enjoy books that encourage girls to pursue professions and careers in Science. A wonderful addition to family, school and public libraries.
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Pros + I WILL BE BUYING THIS FOR MY DAUGHTER + I love this for so many reasons! + 1. It shows sharks in a positive light, finally! As someone who has studied sharks, dived with them all over the world and generally thinks they are awesome, it is FINALLY nice to see them in a positive light in a children's book! + 2. It explains diving in very simple, accessible terms. I LOVE diving and hope to instill the same in my daughter one day. This book would be a perfect start! + 3. The history of Black women divers was not something I was aware of! I really don't know diving history very well, despite being a PADI Divemaster and AAUS Scientific Diver. I know how to do it and teach it, but I don't know the history. This gave me 3 amazing Black women to look up and further discuss with my daughter when she's old enough. + 4. The mention of serious topics like near-drowning, slavery, and segregation were introduced just enough to open up the topics for discussion without distracting too much from the shark/aquarium/diver narrative between Imani and her grandfather. + 5. The illustration style is beautiful! And real colors are used for the animals, which I really appreciate. No purple and pink sharks here! + 6. There are follow-up resources included at the end!
Neutral / Some of the words used are pretty big (buoyancy control device (BCD), marine biologist, archeologist, ancestors, exhibit, etc.) so I'm not sure what age this would be appropriate for. I guess I'll have to wait and see :)
Oh, my heart. This book. This is one of those rare gems you uncover that surprises you in the absolute best way. At first glance this may look like a normal children's book about a little girl's adventure at an aquarium, but it is so much more than that.
This story was spectacular and I loved every moment of my time reading it. From the second I opened the cover to the point I put it down, I kept thinking about how excited I was to have the chance to read and review it.
Imani is a little Black girl who is exploring the local aquarium for the first time with her Grandfather. She is unsure of all the different underwater creatures, especially the sharks. With patience and a clear respect for the ocean, Grandfather explains that the ocean is an amazing place. He calms her fears of sharks by sharing interesting facts about how unique they are. He understands that the more you know about something, the less you fear it. When Imani sees a scuba diver in the whale shark tank, her interest is piqued. Grandpa uses the opportunity to talk about marine biology and some of the amazing black women who have become renowned in that field. He also shares with her the story of the very first black woman to become a certified scuba diver in 1965. The book takes a more somber tone as Grandpa shows Imani the shipwreck exhibits. He explains to her the plight of their ancestors, taken from their homes and sold into slavery, and that even through his childhood, black people did not have a good relationship with water. He sadly shares that he is not a good swimmer because when he was a little boy, black children were not allowed to swim in the same pools as white children and there were no pools for black people nearby. Imani and Grandpa share a tender moment and Imani knows that someday she wants to be a marine biologist herself. Grandpa of course, already knows she can do anything she sets her mind to.
At the end, the author has included a resources page to help connect families to marine sciences. There are locations of aquariums, museums, and websites that share history, swim lesson locations and research articles. This was an amazing addition to help take the fictional story and make it a reality for families and children. This book was exceptional, from the message to the illustrations and the content of the text itself.
All too often, girls are steered away from careers in the sciences, black girls even more so. They face tremendous obstacles in getting careers in that field. This book helps educate young girls to the amazing women who have made an impact in marine sciences fields and show them that they too can one day become a scientist or work at a job somehow connected to the ocean. The representation of a young black girl as a main character is a fantastic way to share with all students that dreams have no skin color, while reminding us about the truths of the past so we can make sure they never happen again.
Wonderful illustrations highlight this simple yet insightful story of a young girl learning about the exciting world of caring for sharks. I could hear the grandfather’s voice in my mind as I read the story. The loving way that he answers little Imani’s undersea questions and then turns around and inspires her, while at the same time teaching her how hard her ancestors have had it, just tugs at your heart! Highly recommended!
Fascinating, delightful, educational! Learn about Black History (historical and contemporary) and at the same time, marine biology! Discover Black Female Marine Biologists and the First Black Scuba Diver! Loved the texts and illustrations. What a cool educational book for children (of all ages)!
Oh, my heart. This book. This is one of those rare gems you uncover that surprises you in the absolute best way. At first glance this may look like a normal children's book about a little girl's adventure at an aquarium, but it is so much more than that.
This story was spectacular and I loved every moment of my time reading it. From the second I opened the cover to the point I put it down, I kept thinking about how excited I was to have the chance to read and review it.
Imani is a little Black girl who is exploring the local aquarium for the first time with her Grandfather. She is unsure of all the different underwater creatures, especially the sharks. With patience and a clear respect for the ocean, Grandfather explains that the ocean is an amazing place. He calms her fears of sharks by sharing interesting facts about how unique they are. He understands that the more you know about something, the less you fear it. When Imani sees a scuba diver in the whale shark tank, her interest is piqued. Grandpa uses the opportunity to talk about marine biology and some of the amazing black women who have become renowned in that field. He also shares with her the story of the very first black woman to become a certified scuba diver in 1965. The book takes a more somber tone as Grandpa shows Imani the shipwreck exhibits. He explains to her the plight of their ancestors, taken from their homes and sold into slavery, and that even through his childhood, black people did not have a good relationship with water. He sadly shares that he is not a good swimmer because when he was a little boy, black children were not allowed to swim in the same pools as white children and there were no pools for black people nearby. Imani and Grandpa share a tender moment and Imani knows that someday she wants to be a marine biologist herself. Grandpa of course, already knows she can do anything she sets her mind to.
At the end, the author has included a resources page to help connect families to marine sciences. There are locations of aquariums, museums, and websites that share history, swim lesson locations and research articles. This was an amazing addition to help take the fictional story and make it a reality for families and children. This book was exceptional, from the message to the illustrations and the content of the text itself.
All too often, girls are steered away from careers in the sciences, black girls even more so. They face tremendous obstacles in getting careers in that field. This book helps educate young girls to the amazing women who have made an impact in marine sciences fields and show them that they too can one day become a scientist or work at a job somehow connected to the ocean. The representation of a young black girl as a main character is a fantastic way to share with all students that dreams have no skin color, while reminding us about the truths of the past so we can make sure they never happen again.
Spectacular illustrations paired with brilliant storytelling- this book is spellbinding! I was hooked from the very first page. Heartiest gratitude to Netgalley and the author for providing me an E-copy in exchange of honest and unbiased opinion.
While visiting the local aquarium for the first time, Imani comes across sharks. She tells her grandfather about being scared of the gigantic creatures. With calmness and understanding, her grandfather states interesting facts about sharks, making Imani realize sharks are not as terrifying as they seem. She notices a scuba diver with sharks and enquires her grandfather about it. Each answer leads to a number of questions and they end up talking about scuba diving, marine biology and marine archeology, significance and differences of their jobs with awe-inspiring tales of black women dominating these fields. They reflect on inhumane sufferings of black ancestors due to slavery, discriminations between black and white people including the restriction for black people to swim in the same pool as white people. Her grandfather explains his love for ocean as well as how he failed to pursue a job in marine because he never had the opportunity to learn swimming well enough as he is black. He inspires Imani to be whoever she wants to be, showing respect to the struggles of black people who paved the way for future generations. Imani's relationship with her grandfather reminded me of my own. I miss sitting with my grandfather discussing about everything important and unimportant and the way he could ease all my self doubt and insecurities. I could relate to the story and it evoked a bit of nostalgia, comfort and longing in my heart. Imani's Undersea Adventure opens the opportunity to enlighten kids at a young age on the above-mentioned topics and spark stimulating conversation. The author, T.M. Jackson provided further resources to look for more information. He subtly introduces young readers to some of the most important issues to be aware of, embraces the dark past, pays tribute to the people who made it possible and seems hopeful for the future. Recommended for people of all ages! You must read this one.
Imani is a young Black girl visiting the aquarium with her grandfather. At first, she is scared of the sharks she sees swimming by in the tanks. But then, her grandfather tells her about sharks, scuba diving, marine biologists, and marine archaeologists. These conversations lead to deeper discussions about Imani’s ancestry and family history.
Author T. M. Jackson has written a captivating children’s book that touches on many topics of importance. The story starts with a simple visit to the aquarium and learning about a scuba diver and their equipment. It then introduces readers to Black marine biologists Ms. Jasmin Grahm and Ms. Carlee Jackson and the first certified Black female scuba diver Ms. Shirley Marshall – Lee. Next, Imani’s grandfather explains the significance of their achievements in the world of marine science and for Black women. Readers will learn about Black history in an age-appropriate manner from her grandpa’s stories. For example, stories about how slaves were brought to America and how Black families could not swim in pools; thus, many never learned how to swim. These topics are often glossed over or omitted entirely for the early elementary age level. Ms. Jackson, however, has presented them in a manner that is educational and conversational. Readers will feel like they are walking through the aquarium with Imani and her grandfather.
Accompanying this thought-provoking children’s book is the richly detailed artwork of Darwin Marfil that captures the wonder of Imani and the thoughtful pondering of her grandfather as he teaches her about her past. Included at the end of the book is a list of resources that families and teachers can use to explore aquatic and marine sciences more in-depth.
Imani’s Undersea Adventure is a profoundly thoughtful children’s book that will captivate children. Teachers and parents will appreciate the accurate historical information presented eloquently and in an age-appropriate manner.
This book is everything and more!! I read many children’s picture books every day, and when I read this one, I immediately asked to buy it for my library!
Imani and her grandfather are at the aquarium and she sees a shark and becomes afraid. I immediately identified with Imani because I was so close to my grandfather; he was a great man whom I trusted, and I miss him dearly! Imani’s grandfather is exactly what she needs-a strong, yet kind figurehead who helps guide Imani through her fear. He helps her by not admonishing her, but telling her stories that include so many important snapshots of American history that are overlooked including: the names of the ships that carried the first slaves from Africa and the first black female scuba divers.
I am so impressed with the illustrations, characters and story, that I want to see more of Imani and I hope the author continues writing with her as the main character!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 stars. This is more of a teaching tool than a literary story, but it's quite effective in illustrating the lessons it has to offer. During a young girl's trip to the aquarium with her grandfather she learns about sharks, scuba diving, marine biology careers, slavery/the middle passage, and Jim Crow laws and their far-reaching consequences. This story would make a great addition to units about any of these topics to offer enrichment or an alternative mode/approach.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! They're colorful, vivid, and detailed and kids will love how they help bring the story to life. This is probably best suited to early and middle elementary grades and would be a good conversation-starter for students. It would make a great addition to school and classroom libraries!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
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.
When I say I loved every page of this book from the storyline, historical facts, shark facts to the illustrations. I loved it all. How the author inspires readers to learn, educate them, as well as inspire them to be anything they want to be! And especially when it comes to the Black community! Then shedding light on Black famous historical women was not only a great addition, but made me feel honored and proud to have learned this! Great read & Highly Recommended!
Great book. I was expecting it to explore undersea creatures, and while there's definitely a fair share of sharks and childhood wonderment at the aquarium, the book takes a dive into topics like Black women in STEM, slave history, the racial history of swimming pools and privilege. All explained in a gentle, naturally flowing manner, while representing the precious bond between grandparent and grandchild. From the beautiful illustrations to the informative and empowering storytelling, this book is truly a treasure.
The illustrations were lit! So beautiful that I enjoyed reading it. Imani's Grandpa tells Imani lots of things, one of which is the story of the very first black woman to become a certified scuba diver. The part where the Grandpa shares that he is not a good swimmer because when he was a small boy, black children were not allowed to swim with white children and there were no pools for black people. I felt that part. A wonderful read.
I love that it teaches about the sharks and black history as well. I also love that the grandpa expresses to his granddaughter that she can do anything she desires after he explains to her that their people weren’t allowed in the past. It shows her how far they have come.
I read Imani’s Undersea Adventure to my five-year-old grandson. He was enthralled with the story. We had to look up facts about sharks as soon as we finished the book. The book introduces Black history in language that a child can understand. The Resource Page in the back has excellent recommendations. All in all, a five-star book that I’m glad I read.
This was an adorable story. My kids loved the vivid pictures. I loved that it opened the door to have important conversations about race and how important it is that everyone is treated equally. It is amazing to finally see Children’s books diversify in race. I can’t wait to open a a copy for my kids bookshelf.
What a clever and cute story with great information!
I loved this story! It is full of information for kids and adults alike. The illustrations are really cute. I love that the story is not only informative but, encourages children to explore new things! Well done!
A beautifully illustrated picture book following Imani and her Grandpa. Together they not only learn about all the animals in the aquarium but also some important history.
As we read, we learn some historical facts and information about the ocean. Imani is inquisitive and her Grandpa patient. I love the colors of the illustrations as well as the lessons in this book. A good read for little marine biologists.
Beautiful book about a little girl who is fascinated with the sea. On an outing with grandpa, Imani receives a wonderful history lesson that results in her discovering exactly what she wants to be in the future.
This book introduced me to the difference between a marine biologist and a marine archeologist and the accomplishments of women in these fields.
Beautifully illustrated and filled with information about marine life, scuba diving and history and challenges that people of color had learning to do something as simple as learning to swim.
Engaging story with resources included for further research. I recommend this to be shared with the entire family and as an educator, I recommend this to teachers for a starting point to ensure we acknowledge the contribution of all Americans.