The Girl from the Sea: A Graphic Novel

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did The Girl from the Sea make you feel overall, and how do those feelings compare to your emotional response to other YA graphic novels, such as Raina Telgemeier’s Drama (2012)?

2. Keltie’s magical nature adds a folklore dimension to Morgan’s grounded personal story. How does the blend of fantasy and coming-of-age themes compare to Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys (2012), or Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (2022) which also mix emotional realism with supernatural elements? Did one approach feel more effective or engaging to you, and why?

3. The Girl from the Sea explores secrets and the tension they create among characters. Did this aspect remind you in any way of the interpersonal struggles in Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper (2018) or Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda (2015)? How do the works differ in tone or emotional impact, even while exploring similar themes?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Morgan keeps many parts of herself “in boxes” because she fears how people will react if they see all of her. Have you ever felt pressure to hide a part of yourself to avoid judgment or conflict? How does your experience shape the way you view Morgan’s choices?

2. Have you experienced a moment when keeping something to yourself created distance between you and someone you cared about, as it does for Morgan? How did you handle this conflict?

3. The novel shows how friendships shift as people grow and change. Have you gone through a period when your relationships began to evolve, either strengthening or drifting apart? How do your experiences compare to Morgan, Serena, and Jules working to reconnect?

4. At the end of the story, Morgan must balance grief with hope and keep living her life even as she waits for Keltie’s return. Can you recall a time when you had to move forward despite uncertainty or separation? What helps you stay grounded during moments like that?

5. Morgan worries that sharing too much of her identity will “stress out” the people around her. Have you ever hesitated to speak up or ask for support because you did not want to burden someone? How does this influence the way you interpret Morgan’s conflict with her family?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel explores the pressure Morgan feels to hide her sexuality, even within a supportive community. How does her fear reflect broader societal challenges LGBTQ+ teens face today, and to what extent do you think these pressures have changed or remained the same over time?

2. The story examines how family expectations, divorce, and emotional strain affect young people differently. How does the novel’s portrayal of modern family structures reflect contemporary cultural conversations about support, communication, and mental health?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Clothing is a recurring visual motif throughout the novel. How does The Girl from the Sea use garments (such as Morgan’s inconsistent style, Serena’s polished outfits, or Keltie’s “Lisa Frank” shirt) to comment on social pressure, belonging, and self-expression?

2. Examine the significance of Keltie’s seal-skin and her transformations between human and selkie form. How does this magical element deepen the novel’s exploration of identity, sacrifice, and the struggle between freedom and belonging?

3. The coastal, small-town setting plays a crucial role in the narrative. How do physical features like the cliffs, tides, and the ever-present sea reflect the story’s emotional landscape and reinforce the tension between safety and change?

4. How does the graphic novel format influence the pacing and emotional tone of the story? In what ways do the visuals (particularly color, facial expressions, and panel composition) shape your understanding of Morgan’s inner conflict?

5. Analyze Morgan’s character arc from secrecy to openness. How does her gradual transformation mirror the novel’s larger themes of identity, vulnerability, and self-acceptance?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create a short playlist of five to seven songs that capture Morgan’s emotional journey, from secrecy and fear to love and transformation. How does each song reflect specific moments, themes, or character dynamics within the novel?

2. If you were to write an Epilogue set seven years after the ending, when Morgan and Keltie are meant to reunite, what future would you imagine for them? How might the themes of identity and change continue to shape their lives and relationship?

3. If The Girl from the Sea were adapted into an animated film or limited series, what visual style would you choose: soft watercolor, bold comic shading, or something else entirely? How might that artistic choice affect the tone and emotional impact of Morgan and Keltie’s story?