71 pages • 2 hours read
When the Sea Turned to Silver
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Ancient China • Fantasy World
2016
Middle grade
8-12 years
750L
Super Short Summary
In When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin, Pinmei and her friend Yishan embark on a quest to rescue her storytelling grandmother, Amah, from the Tiger Emperor, navigating a world of Chinese folklore, enchanted objects, and magical beings. As they seek the Luminous Stone that Lights the Night, they uncover powerful secrets, confront the emperor, and Pinmei grows into a confident storyteller.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Adventurous
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
7,127 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Grace Lin’s When the Sea Turned to Silver enchants readers with its lyrical prose and rich, mythical storytelling. The book’s illustrations are highly praised for their beauty. Some readers found the pacing slow at times, but the intricate plot and cultural depth generally outweighed this for most. Lin's weaving of Chinese folklore is both educational and captivating.
Who Should Read When the Sea Turned to Silver?
A reader who enjoys When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin is likely a fan of richly woven folklore and fantasy. Ideal for middle-grade readers who appreciated the lush storytelling of The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill or the mythic adventures in Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi.
7,127 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amah/The Storyteller/Minli
Amah/The Storyteller/Minli
Pinmei's wise and protective grandmother, known for her masterful storytelling which greatly influences Pinmei and the narrative. Her role is central to the family dynamic and cultural preservation.
Yishan/The Ginseng Boy/The Old Man of the Moon
Yishan/The Ginseng Boy/The Old Man of the Moon
An immortal being often appearing as a young boy in red, who is Pinmei’s best friend and trusted confidante. His words hold weight and his character embodies themes of sacrifice and wisdom.
Lady Meng
Lady Meng
The Sea King’s Daughter, known for her ethereal beauty and bravery, who is connected to the goddess Nuwa. Her journey of sacrifice and protection provides guidance to Pinmei.
The Tiger Emperor
The Tiger Emperor
The formidable antagonist driven by ambition and the quest for immortality, he embodies themes of power and corruption. His actions create significant conflict and influence the lives of other characters.
400
Novel • Fiction
Ancient China • Fantasy World
2016
Middle grade
8-12 years
750L
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