Title: Murray Out of Water
Author: Taylor Tracy
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: May 21, 2024
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Summary
Murray has always loved the ocean, because it never expects her to be something she’s not. She also has a secret magic connection to the water that makes her feel at home. But when a hurricane destroys her home and forces her family to move inland, her magical connection is severed.
Now stuck in a house with her family, Murray can’t avoid the things she’s learning about herself. A new friendship with a boy named Dylan opens up a whole new world for her, especially when she learns he also has magic. Her new friendships show that family doesn’t always have to just be blood.
Review: Murray Out of Water
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Murray Out of Water by Taylor Tracy to review! I saw this book on NetGalley and was immediately drawn in by the cover. Since I’m trying to read more middle grade this year, I decided to give it a try!
This is a novel in verse, hitting a ton of strong emotional notes throughout. At the beginning, Murray’s parents are very conservative; contrasting strongly with her aunt and uncle she lives with most of the book. I loved the way Murray was able to reforge a connection with her estranged older brother, and also became closer with her other siblings.
In addition to the family relationships, Murray makes a lot of new friends along the way. She learns that a lot of queer community is based around found family because of people like her parents. She’s able to learn more about herself in these new relationships, and I loved that journey in a middle grade novel. There are so many middle grade readers that will resonate with her journey.
The magic aspect of the book is there, but it mostly reflects Murray’s emotional journey throughout the story. As she figures out more about herself, she is eventually able to find her way back to her magic. I loved the parallels between magic and queer identity throughout the story.
All in all, this is a wonderful middle grade novel you’ll definitely want to check out when it comes out in May!
5/5 stars