TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover
Title Page
Chapter 1: The Cool Blue
Chapter 2: Unexpected Terror
Chapter 3: Jasmine’s Plan
Chapter 4: Sibling Connection
Chapter 5: Shark!
Chapter 6: Stop, Think, Breathe, Act
Chapter 7: Alone in the Water
Chapter 8: Diving Buddies
Author Bio
Illustrator Bio
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Writing Prompts
More About Scuba Diving
Explore More
Copyright
Back Cover
CHAPTER 1
THE COOL BLUE
Jasmine Lopez’s heart was racing with excitement as she climbed from the dive boat and into the South Pacific Ocean. The warm waters closed over her head. The world above disappeared as her weight vest pulled her deeper into the water.
Jasmine adjusted the goggles on her face and looked for her mother and diving buddy, Dr. Samaira Lopez. She was easy to spot in her blue wet suit, black fins, and bright, neon-yellow mask.
Mom tapped her own arm, then gave Jasmine a thumbs-up. That was code for one of the most important rules of scuba diving: Always stay close to your diving buddy.
Jasmine tapped her arm in reply and returned her mom’s thumbs-up. Then Mom held up six fingers.
Six fingers meant sixty feet. At twelve years old, Jasmine had been scuba diving for two years. That was the deepest she was allowed to dive. She held up six fingers in return to let Mom know she wouldn’t go any deeper.
Mom gave her two thumbs-up, and Jasmine grinned. The final safety check was complete.
Now it was time for some fun in Fiji, where her parents worked as marine biologists. They were studying the best ways to help regrow the coral reefs.
Mom descended to the reef, and Jasmine followed after her. Her fins propelled her through the clear blue water. Clown fish, orange and white, darted in and out of the coral.
Jasmine swam closer to the colorful scene up ahead. Golden damselfish, defending their territory, rushed at her. They were small and not really a threat, but she loved how protective they were of their home.
I don’t blame them, Jasmine thought as she swam. The reefs need all the protection they can get.
Nearby, Jasmine caught sight of her younger brother, Arjun. He was swimming with their dad, Dr. Antonio Lopez. Most of the time Arjun was Jasmine’s diving buddy, but not today.
Thank goodness! Jasmine thought.
She loved her brother, but lately being his buddy had stopped being fun. Arjun was ten years old and had just started diving, but he already thought he knew everything. He refused to listen to Jasmine.
Even though he was supposed to stay close, Arjun would swim farther than arm’s reach. He was only allowed to dive to a maximum of forty feet, but that didn’t stop him from trying to go deeper. And that meant Jasmine had to chase after him.
At least he’s Dad’s problem today, Jasmine thought.
She exhaled through her mouth, and the bubbles from her regulator sped to the surface. Startled by the noise and movement, a golden damselfish darted from her.
