Monster Down Deep

A missing diamond necklace with a million dollar reward attracts 2 beachcombing children, who instead find what could just be the discovery of the century

An uplifting middle-grade adventure perfect for fans of Jessie Burton, Hannah Gold’s The Last Bear, and books by Katya Balen

I am the one they call the Monster Down Deep.
Except... I am not really a monster. I am just the Very Afraid Fish.

Somewhere off the coast of San Diego, the yacht of billionaire Clifton Royce III has capsized. While most of the vessel’s belongings have been reclaimed, one piece remains lost: a 74-carat diamond necklace, worth over ＄50 million dollars. And for the person who finds this gem, there is a ＄1 million reward up for grabs.

No one is more determined to find the necklace than 11-year-old Cassie Stein. Her dad’s beloved aquarium is on the brink of financial ruin, and that money could be the answer to all their problems. Armed with her trusty metal detector, Sylvia, Cassie begins her search.

But while hunting for the treasure, she discovers something that may be even more valuable than the diamond. A fish, unlike any she has ever seen before. One that seems to understand her every word perfectly. His name is Blue, and he desperately needs Cassie’s help.

As news of her once-in-a-lifetime discovery spreads, however, Cassie is torn between two impossible choices: protect Blue and help him find his way home... or embrace the fame and fortune that could change her life forever.

Amy Fellner Dominy is an MFA playwright and the award-winning author of 9 books for children. She especially loves stories that celebrate kids who can be anyone and choose to be themselves. Amy currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.