Raves

What people are saying about Mermaid Park...

TEEN Magazine says:

"One of the summer's best reads!" –TEENmag.com

American Library Association Teen Top 10 2005 nomination listing says:

"The story is beautifully written and where the story goes is so unexpected, it keeps you captivated until the very last word."

Booklist says:

"An evocative setting, magic, and authentically drawn Amy, who narrates in easy, compelling prose. Teens will easily connect with the story about young people learning who they are and how to grow past the faults they find in themselves and others."

School Library Journal says:

"Amy is not looking forward to a three-day vacation with her family at the Jersey shore, visiting her mother's godmother, Lynne, who owns a motel. The last thing the 16-year-old wants is be stuck with her mother, with whom she has been fighting; her difficult stepfather, who picks on her; her pretty younger sister; and her sister's friend. But when they arrive, she instantly connects with Dylan, a local boy who does odd jobs for Lynne, and discovers Mermaid Park, an underwater spectacular that features teenage girls in mermaid costumes. Amy then stays for the rest of the summer without her family and vows to become one of those swimmers. Mayall realistically portrays a conflicted teen who thinks that the world is out to get her. Readers will identify with her struggle to find herself, relate to others, and get over her fears in the 36-foot-deep tank. The other characters, including a beautiful friend, a grumpy boss, and a jilted boy, are believable as well. The interactions between Amy and her mother are painfully realistic, which makes the surprise ending concerning the girl's parentage even more meaningful. This is a good read that deals with real growing-up issues." –Carly B. Wiskoff, Great Neck Library, NY. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kirkus Reviews says:

"On an early summer vacation with her family at the seaside hotel of her mother's godmother, Lynne, 16-year-old Amy decides that she wants to get along better with everyone, especially her crude, abusive stepfather and her younger sister, who seems to face life with ease. After several family blowouts, however, Amy takes off one evening and discovers an eerily beautiful mermaid-themed park. Mysteriously drawn to it, she convinces Lynne and her mother to allow her to spend the rest of the summer at the beach, so she can secretly work at the park. A champion swimmer back home, Amy must prove her ability to perform to the other "mermaids"—and to herself. Author Mayall creates real, developed characters; juxtaposes moments of pain with wonderment; and packs a powerful punch in the ending. Uncovering family secrets causes Amy to reassess the truths in her life, reconnect with loved ones and wonder what the future will bring. Once in on the secrets, readers will want to piece together all the clues they gleaned throughout the story." –Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2005

Teen People says:

"Do mermaids really exist? Well, sort of: During a summer stay at the Jersey Shore motel owned by her mom's best friend, Amy stumbles upon a decrepit old water park, where bikini clad, fish-tailed performers still entertain the seasonal crowds. Amy becomes understandably obsessed with the mermaids...and a too-good-to-be-true guy, named Dylan. The mermaids disappear when summer's over, but you'll need to read the book to find out whether things with Dylan will last longer. READ IT: In between summer-school classes; you deserve a little magic, too." –TeenPeople.com, Hot Reads

Philadelphia Magazine says:

"Grade: A- With her first novel, Mayall, a Philly native now living on the West Coast, does a fine job of dissecting the complicated emotional world of a troubled teen. Socially awkward yet spunky Amy is already in active rebellion against her odious stepfather when she is allowed a first glimpse of independence: a summer with a friend at a hotel in Wildwood. Amy needs a job, and gets one picking up trash at an aquatic tourist trap called "Mermaid Park." But since she's a skilled swimmer, you guessed it, Amy ends up in the water, befriending one of the senior mermaids. The writing is quirky, solid, and refreshing as a walk on the Boardwalk with the wind in one's hair, a stepfather at bay, and a few scoops of teenage angst." –Kate McGrath, Philadelphia Magazine, June 2005