Deep Water

A thrilling middle grade survival story about a scuba dive gone wrong and two enemies who must unite to survive.

“[A] gripping tale of endurance for young readers.” —Wall Street Journal

It’s the most important rule of scuba diving: If you don’t feel right, don’t go down . . .

So after her father falls ill miles off the coast of Alabama, twelve-year-old Julie Sims must take over and lead two of his clients on a dive while her father stays behind in the boat. When the clients, a reckless boy around Julie’s age and his equally foolhardy father, disregard Julie’s instructions during the dive, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. But she has no idea what kind of disaster awaits once she surfaces . . .

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“[A] fast-paced and . . . action-packed survival story; recommended for fans of Gary Paulson.” —School Library Journal

“Key offers plenty of nail-biting suspense in this survival tale about a deep-sea dive off the Alabama coast that goes horribly wrong. . . . The story meticulously details the steps that quick-thinking Julie takes to stay alive. Julie’s troubled family history and her changing relationship with Shane are also examined, intensifying the book’s emotional impact.” —Publishers Weekly