Sejal Sinha Swims with Sea Dragons (Sejal Sinha #2)

Indian American Sejal Sinha and her younger brother Abu return for the next series installment, after Sejal Sinha Battles Superpowers. Sejal's scientific family are helpful with her ocean creatures school project, but a research-based trip to the beach with her marine biologist aunt brings unexpected adventure and imagination to the surface. Sejal, Abu, and their dog, Fluff Monster, find a mysterious blue dragon, which Aunt Neela informs them isn't venomous but can become so after eating poisonous prey. They take it upon themselves to return "Blue Boss" to the ocean and create a submarine powered by Imagination Fuel. When Sejal's stuffy Professor Cheetah accidentally uses the Micromaker, they are all reduced to a mere six inches tall, along with Sejal's school bully, Jonah. As the submarine travels through the ocean, they encounter many other marine animals, learning all about their special adaptations and features. The illustrations by Das give readers the chance to see what these unique sea creatures look like. Prasad blends an adventurous story filled with friendship issues and fascinating true facts. A detailed author's note chronicling the sea creatures and their adaptations follows the story, along with mention of the third book in the series. VERDICT Budding scientists looking for a chapter book series that has both developed and interesting characters, and great STEM components, will enjoy Sejal and her adventures.—Michele Shaw