Bouwman's (2017) A Crack in the Sea is a book that invites readers to enter into a world that encompasses three stories into one; while also capturing the adventures of characters with magical powers, a powerful Raft King, and a boy who can talk to fish.
In this novel, the author has the characters venture back and forth between two worlds: the first world & the second world. I think the author's intended purpose for creating such worlds in this story -- is to represent our present and past histories. Our histories that are past down from generation to generation through story-telling.
In this case, it is story-telling which helps a boy like Pip to learn about the Raftworld's past. A past (referring to the first world) that is filled with stories of loss, bondage, hope, and finding refugee in another world. By Pip learning about the Raftworld's past, he quickly realizes that the Raft King is making a huge mistake of wanting to go back to the first world -- because in the first world the Raft people were not free -- they were slaves. Slaves that were seen as property, sold by slavers, and treated like animals.
In attempt to save the Raftworld, Pip must find a way to convince the Raft King to change his mind about wanting to go back to the first world. And Pip soon learns that it is going to take more than a story to change the Raft King's mind. In other words, in order to prevent the past from repeating itself -- Pip must find the courage to take action.
“And sometimes, I think—I hope—a book can help us see that, and have courage, and take action.” -- H.M.Bouwman
After reading, I found Bouwman's (2017) book A Crack in the Sea to be a powerful read by the way it keeps it's readers at the edge of their seats --- as their minds try to wrap around all of the fantasy elements to the story of refugees lost at sea and Africans murdered by their captors. In addition to thrilling storyline, the author also includes hidden themes and important messages within this text about the how fantasy genres are like magical tools used by authors to address social issues happening in our world today.
To help teachers to help students identify and discuss various social issues that can be found in this novel. Here is a list of resources for teachers to use, including a Teacher's Discussion Guide for A Crack in the Sea.
Other Resources:
Resources
Bouwman, H. M. (2017). A crack in the sea. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. Print.