Shim Jung Takes the Dive

Julia Riew

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A tween finds herself on an epic adventure across an underwater kingdom in this inventive middle-grade fantasy inspired by Korean folklore—based on the viral TikTok musical by composer-lyricist and rising star Julia Riew. Jung doesn’t believe in magic—not the powerful dragons, mystical sea creatures, or any of the other fantastical stories whispered by the elders of her hometown. That is, until one horrible mistake sends her falling into the ocean during a raging storm… down to a magical underwater kingdom that she never believed existed. Now, trapped in a realm of secrets, spirits, and a vengeful queen bent on destroying her world, Jung must journey across the Dragon Queendom—teaming up with a mischievous runaway prince—to uncover the truth about her past and save her people before it's too late. Inspired by the Korean folktale Shim Jung, Shim Jung Takes the Dive is a royal adventure about friendship, belonging, and finding the courage to take the leap.

Audiobook Recommendations for Libro.fm's Audiobook Walk on June 13th!

My Bindery community recommends:

• @Sawyer loves Billy Porter’s Unprotected (narrated by the author)
• @Readingwithlori loves Legendary by Stephanie Garber (narrated by Rebecca Soler) and The Survivor Wants to Die at the End by Adam Silvera (narrated by Frankie J. Alvarez, Kyla Garcia, and Anthony Rey Perez)
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (narrated by Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld, and Steve West)
• Taste by Stanley Tucci (narrated by the author)

I recommend:

• Legendary Frybread Drive-In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (narrated by Katie Anvil Rich, DeLanna Studi, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Darrell Dennis, Elva Guerra, Erin Tripp, and Jordan Waunch) - A welcoming, sweeping collection of interconnected stories with Native pride, food, and love.
• Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England (narrated by Dani Martineck) - A queer, heartwarming, and cozy fantasy filled with farmer's market trips and delicious treats.
• The Children by Melissa Albert (narrated by Rebecca Lowman, Saskia Maarleveld, Kristen Sieh, Leslie Aleman, and Iggy Costello) - A twisty and haunting novel perfect for readers who love dark fairytales that feel like fever dreams.
• Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew (narrated by the author) - A hopeful, whimsical, and enchanting middle-grade fantasy with Korean folklore.
• A Potion, A Powder, a Little Bit of Magic by Philip C. Stead (narrated by Daniel Henning) - A quirky, creative, and magical middle-grade tale.
• Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin - A poignant, thoughtful, and charged yet peaceful literary fiction novel.
• The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett (narrated by Allie Shae) - An addictive and adventurous treasure-hunt romance perfect for summertime.