A young girl’s discovery of her own identity becomes the catalyst for healing a world submerged in pollution.
The Secret of the Oceans by Tanya Stewner is the third book in the beloved Alea Aquarius series, a collection of ecological fantasy novels that has seen massive success across Europe. This installment follows Alea, a young girl who has recently embraced her identity as a mermaid, as she leads her friends in the Alpha Cru on an urgent mission to Iceland. Her goal is twofold: she needs to find her father and discover a way to save the oceans from the heavy contamination that threatens marine life. Stewner has built a reputation for stories that emphasize environmental care and friendship, and this volume continues that tradition. While the series has earned several shortlistings for youth literature awards in Germany, this English translation brings its important message to a wider audience. The plot moves quickly, blending the magic of the “mer-world” with the very real concerns of modern oceanography.
This story is a great pick for a Changemaker collection because it highlights UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water through the protagonist’s direct efforts to clean the seas. Alea doesn’t just worry about the water; she takes risks to fix it, which perfectly demonstrates the “caring” attribute of the IB Learner Profile. In the classroom, an educator might use Alea’s journey to Iceland as a starting point for a science project on marine pollution or biodiversity. Students could discuss the sensations Alea feels when facing environmental damage and then research real-world ocean contamination issues. The narrative provides a clear model of agency, showing that young people can be leaders in conservation efforts. By linking Alea’s magical abilities to the restoration of natural ecosystems, the book helps students see themselves as active stewards of the planet rather than just observers of its decline.
