A Mermaid Girl

Under the summer sun at the neighborhood’s rippling community pool, young Heba shimmers like a golden tide in her new yellow burkini—eager to join the circle of mermaid girls in her family who flip through waves like liquid silk—until curious classmates’ questions turn her bright swimwear into a spotlight that makes her chest tighten. Each “Why?” feels like a chisel against her pride, and suddenly her burkini’s vibrant hue seems as heavy as a storm cloud. But Mama, with wisdom woven through generations of women’s laughter and strength, reminds Heba of the mermaid girls who came before her—grandmothers and aunts who taught her how to ride ocean currents of faith and tradition with graceful courage. Anchored by that ancestral love, Heba plants her feet at the pool’s edge, flips into a handstand that steadies her resolve, summersaults like a dolphin in flight, and dives off the board with the same fearless joy as her friends—all while honoring her right to Religious Freedom and celebrating Cultural Understanding. This lyrical, heartwarming picture book transforms a first swim into a powerful lesson in Gender Equality and compassionate community. Tap the Save to List button to bookmark this title, or tap the External Link button to view purchase and rental options.