Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean

By: Mary Boone

Narrated by: Ellie Gossage

Wrestle an octopus, swim through a sunken city, and discover 20 incredible-but-true stories from our unbelievable—and unpredictable—oceans. From acclaimed nonfiction writer Mary Boone comes a look at the fascinating stories that take place under (and above) the sea.

Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP?

As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean's surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more.

From accomplished nonfiction author Mary Boone comes a look at the unfathomable tales our oceans have to tell. Each chapter contains one story, with interview quotes and hands-on research that uncovers the science and history behind the event. You’ll get facts AND more!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

*Includes a downloadable PDF of resources from the print book

Critic reviews

"This inviting collection of 20 real-life, truly amazing ocean experiences will appeal to curious middle-grade readers, whether they’re wildlife lovers, budding oceanographers, or against-all-odds survival-story enthusiasts." —Booklist

"A compelling, narrative-driven collection of astonishing ocean stories." —School Library Journal