Sukey and the Mermaid

Reach for this book when your child feels unappreciated at home or is struggling to find their place within a blended family where they feel like an outsider. It is particularly resonant for children who perceive a lack of fairness in their daily chores or family dynamics. The story follows Sukey, a young girl mistreated by her new stepfather, who finds a magical escape and a true sense of worth through a friendship with a beautiful mermaid named Mama Jo. It deals with deep emotional themes of loneliness, the desire for escape, and the ultimate realization that one possesses the inner strength and resourcefulness to improve their own reality. This West African influenced folktale is appropriate for elementary aged children, offering a bridge to discuss difficult family feelings through the safe lens of mythology and magic. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's feelings of being overlooked while providing a hopeful, empowering resolution.