Aquamarine (novel) facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Alice Hoffman |
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| Series | Water Tales #1 |
| Publisher | Scholastic |
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Publication date
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2001 |
| ISBN | 9781405203630 |
Aquamarine is a fantasy novel written by Alice Hoffman. It was first published in April 2001. A movie based on the book came out in 2006. However, the movie's story is quite different from the book's plot.
Contents
Discovering a Mermaid: The Main Story
The story is about two schoolgirls, Hailey and Claire. They have been best friends and neighbors for many years. Their favorite hangout spot was the Capri Beach Club. But over time, the club became run-down because no one was taking care of it.
Big Changes for Best Friends
One day, Claire's grandparents, who she lives with, decide to move to Florida. This makes both girls very sad. They try to make their last days together last as long as possible. They are both scared about the future, knowing they will be apart.
A Storm and a Special Discovery
A big thunderstorm hits, bringing lots of trash into the Capri Beach Club. In the swimming pool, Hailey and Claire find a strange but beautiful creature. It's a mermaid named Aquamarine! This discovery will change their lives forever.
Aquamarine's New Crush
The next morning, Aquamarine slowly comes out of the water. She is encouraged by seeing the good-looking Raymond. Aquamarine had a tough night. She hasn't eaten much and is away from her six sisters. She's also feeling sick from the chlorine in the pool.
Hailey and Claire tell Aquamarine she should go back to the ocean. But she refuses because she really likes Raymond now.
Learning About Mermaids
Claire and Hailey read books about sea creatures. They want to find out how to help Aquamarine. They learn that mermaids can't live on land for more than a week. This makes it super important to get Aquamarine back to the ocean fast.
A Special Date for Aquamarine
To convince Aquamarine to return home, Hailey and Claire make a plan. She can spend one evening with Raymond. After that, she must leave. Since she doesn't have legs, they plan to dress her in a long blue gown. They will also put her in a wheelchair.
Before the meeting, the girls tell their secret to Claire's grandpa, Maury. He believes their story because he met a mermaid once himself. He takes them to the Capri Beach Club. There, they set up a table and food for Aquamarine and Raymond.
Meeting Raymond and Saying Goodbye
Then, they lift Aquamarine out of the pool. This is hard for Claire because she is scared of water. They introduce Aquamarine to Raymond. To explain who she is, they say she's a faraway cousin.
Raymond is amazed by Aquamarine. They have a wonderful evening together. Meanwhile, Claire and Hailey start feeling hopeful about their own futures. At 9 o'clock, they take Aquamarine back to the swimming pool.
As she leaves, Aquamarine gives Raymond a seashell. He can call her by saying her name into it. She'll hear him no matter how far away she is.
The Final Farewell
Hailey and Claire sleep together in Claire's house. It's almost empty of furniture now. By this point, they have all grown very fond of each other.
The next day, Hailey and Claire arrive to take Aquamarine back to the ocean. They meet Raymond, who is sad he can't say goodbye to Aquamarine. He is leaving for Florida. Just then, a boy named Arthur falls into the swimming pool. Aquamarine rescues him, with Raymond's help.
Raymond sees her tail and realizes she is a mermaid. He is shocked, but finding out she was a mermaid doesn't make him like her any less.
Hailey and Claire carry Aquamarine to the ocean. They put her back in the water, where she gets all her health and strength back. They promise never to forget her. Then, they return to the Capri Beach Club. They thank the owner for the best summer of their lives.
Life After Aquamarine
Later, Claire and her grandparents move to Florida. After she leaves, the Capri Beach Club is taken apart. Hailey doesn't tell Claire about this. She wants Claire to remember the club as it was.
In Florida, Claire learns to swim. She also meets Raymond, who has moved nearby. From him, she learns that Aquamarine is close by. Claire thinks about taking a picture of the mermaid. But she decides to wait because Hailey will visit soon.
