Real Mermaids Don't Need High Heels (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This is the third book in the Real Mermaids series about a tween who discovers she's an aqua-phobic mer-girl. Once again, this book picks up where the last one ended. Jade begins high school and shortly afterwards strange things begin happening when the Mermish Council declares that all land-dwelling mers must return to the ocean. But the Fall Formal dance is around the corner and tradition calls for the girl to ask the boy to the dance. Jade is so nervous about asking Luke because she doesn't think she's a good dancer, but before she can worry about that, she's needed back in the ocean if she's to help the people she loves from disappearing from her life for good.Jade continues to be true to her character using her wits and boldness as she fights back against the Mermish Council. Boudreau introduces some of the usual issues about first going to high school—not having any friends in the same classes, boys, and friendships. My daughter will be entering high school (middle school for those of you in the US) next year so this was right up her alley. Many of the same characters from the first two books are back and all the plot threads are tied up nicely in the end. There were a few surprises, as with the last two books, making this a fun and adventurous book to read.Although Jade is fourteen, she is very close to her parents and this book involved the grown-ups as much as the kids. Of course, the kids save the day, as it should be in a kid's book. It shows the teens sharing a good relationship with the adults in their lives, and I have to say that as a parent this was refreshing to read. I think that's why both my daughter and I enjoyed this series so much. Fantasy for the whole family.There were times when we were a little confused about the whole Mermish Council affair, but in the end, it didn't detract too much from our enjoyment of this story. Real Mermaids is a feel-good series with a flawed but lovable teen, her close-knit friends, a seaside town with secrets, and the charming way it all works out in the end. Real Mermaids Don’t Need High Heels is the third book in the Real Mermaids series. I will say that it most certainly helps if you have read the first two books before reading this one; there is quite a bit of back-story and character connections that make much more sense if you read the series in order. I thought THIS book, however, was adorable. Jade has quite a bit of gumption for a fish out of water (pun intended). The friendships are strong throughout the book but in particular between Jade and Cori, the romantic entanglements age appropriate and the high school nerves accurate for the new freshmen. While I was skeptical of the ability of a 14 year old to spearhead and complete a revolution in a day, I relished Jade’s time on land navigating the problems of high school dances, school elections, sports teams and the big dance. I would highly recommend this series for pre-teen and early teen readers interested in mermaids or just looking for a fun, silly, easy read.Overall: A-
What do You think about Real Mermaids Don't Need High Heels (2013)?
Very good finish to the series. It never go boring and was intersting the whole way
—lmcneill111
Good book...not my favorite of the series but good and fitting :)
—Mnf212
