The Brilliant Deep

Based on the life story of scientist Ken Nedimyer, this book describes Ken’s and his daughter’s lifelong effort to regrow Staghorn corals in the Florida Keys. Perfect if you’re looking to get your reader excited about marine science or to inspire them to focus on nature preservation! Who knows, perhaps one day they can become Ken! “It starts with one”.

Author:

Kate Messner

Early readers
Picture books
Series

3-6
7-10
Adventures
Environment
Science

Buy this Book:

amazon.com

SYNOPSIS

Based on the life story of scientist Ken Nedimyer, this book describes Ken’s and his daughter’s lifelong effort to regrow Staghorn corals in the Florida Keys. At first alone, then with friends and their foundation (The Coral Restoration Foundation), Ken has gradually succeeded in reviving whole colonies of dead reefs through a painstaking, meticulous growing and transplanting process. Ken Nedimyer now works with teams globally to revive the rapidly disappearing natural treasure of oceanic coral reefs around the world.

PERFECT AGE 5-10

We love

“It starts with one” – an inspiring, beautifully illustrated book about a real-life miracle worker and his passionate quest to rescue nature
An impactful call-to-attention to an environmental crisis, the science behind Ken’s solution, and the success of his innovation
An inspiring message to not give up on your dream or get discouraged even if achieving it takes a lot

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

There are occasions of “magical” violence, and youngsters being verbally cruel to each other
The brother does not come out of his coma at the end of the book – may leave some readers distraught
Amari punches a girl at school and skips out of home (against her mother’s strict orders) – so when I said that thing about being an inspiration to girls, I only half-meant it

CONVERSATION STARTERS

What do you think motivated Ken to focus on the dying coral reefs? Why did others want to help?
Can you think of some ways in which you can help protect the nature around us?
Which part of Ken’s story did you find most inspiring or surprising?
What skills do you think Ken needed to succeed in his project?