From the New York Times bestselling author of Esperanza Rising comes a riveting story that blends myth, fantasy, and reality into an entrancing adventure, perfect for fans of Meg Medina, Kate DiCamillo, and Rick Riordan.
* "Glistens like sunlight on waves." —School Library Journal, starred review
* "Ryan’s skill as a writer shines." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
"An inventive, absorbing novel." —New York Times Book Review
Sometimes the only way to hold onto what we love is to let go.
Kai Sosa is so passionate about swimming he is practically a fish. This summer, he’s determined to become the athlete he once was on an elite swim team.
But something invisible holds him back. His race times are off. Dreams of his sister Cali haunt him. And he hasn’t found her missing gold cuff, her last request. Mom is still talking about grief, even though it’s been two years since she disappeared. He’s fine now, isn’t he?
When Kai discovers a library book Cali had checked out multiple times—about an underwater realm and a mysterious place called the Library of Despair and Sorrow—details from the story begin to appear in his own life: dolphin pods, imposing rock towers, unusual sea creatures, and even Cali’s beloved bracelet. As myth and reality collide, El Niño unleashes its fury, and Kai is swept up in a storm of events that will change his understanding of love, death, grief, and how best to honor those we’ve lost.
Exquisitely packaged with breathtaking illustrations by award-winning artist Joe Cepeda and printed in blue ink.
Pam Muñoz Ryan is the recipient of the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award, the PEN Center USA Award, and the 2024 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for her body of work. She was the 2018 and is the 2026 US nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She received a Newbery Honor Medal and the Kirkus Prize for her New York Times bestselling novel, Echo. Her other celebrated novels, Esperanza Rising, The Dreamer, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi León, Paint the Wind, and Mañanaland, have received countless accolades, among them the Pura Belpré Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and the Américas Award. Her acclaimed picture books include Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride and the Sibert Honor book When Marian Sang, both illustrated by Brian Selznick, Mice and Beans illustrated by Joe Cepeda, and Tony Baloney illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, as well as a beginning reader series featuring Tony Baloney. Ryan lives near San Diego, California, with her family.
Praise for El Niño:
"A brilliant amalgamation of myth, nature, sport, and loss. I've never read anything like it!" —JASON REYNOLDS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Look Both Ways and the Track series
"A gem! I never would have predicted what happens." —JOHN SCHU, librarian and author of the New York Times bestseller Louder Than Hunger
"Another instant classic from Pam Muñoz Ryan. An epic tale of resilience and hope, a true masterpiece." —ERNESTO CISNEROS, award-winning author of Efrén Divided and Falling Short
"Will break your heart wide open and piece it back together, one stroke at a time. I couldn't put it down." —C.C. HARRINGTON, author of the Schneider Family Book award winner Wildoak
"A beautiful, graceful, and powerful tale for our times, from a master storyteller." —DEBORAH WILES, two-time National Book Award finalist and author of Kent State
* "Ryan’s latest is a whirlwind of emotions, a story that glistens like sunlight on waves and plunges deep into grief, identity, and destiny. . . Ryan weaves a narrative that moves like the tide, one that is at times calm and reflective, and at others wild and relentless. . . A breathtaking story infused with magical realism. With poetic and evocative prose, the book captures the ache of loss and the hope that lingers even in the most unpredictable currents. . . More than a novel, this is a journey into the heart of a boy searching for answers and a lost piece of himself, and a story that will linger with readers." —School Library Journal, starred review
* "Ryan’s skill as a writer shines in the small moments of gorgeous description . . . but also in building the larger ambience of a close family, a kind community . . . . a worthy addition to any shelf." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
"An inventive, absorbing novel that blends elements of magical realism, climate fiction and coming-of-age sports tales, 'El Niño' features drawings by the Pura Belpré honoree Joe Cepeda. . . It’s a world that makes space for feelings — especially sad, difficult ones — and holds them in precious regard. . . Ryan has imagined into being such a vivid, intricate place." —New York Times Book Review
"Striking illustrations complement the uniquely beautiful story. A compelling tale of love, loss, and myth." —Kirkus Reviews
"Eighth grader Kai Sosa contends with grief following his older sister’s death in this powerful tale by Newbery Honoree Muñoz Ryan. . . Delicate, blue-lined digital illustrations by Cepeda amp up the surreal atmosphere and magical realism elements of Kai’s journey through loss." —Publishers Weekly