# When Sea Becomes Sky

**Author:** Gillian McDunn
**Grade range:** Grades 3–6
**Age range:** 8–12
**First published:** 2023
**Page count:** 227
**Genre:** Middle Grade Fiction
**ISBN-13:** `9781547610860`
**ISBN-10:** `1547610867`
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/book/when-sea-becomes-sky
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## About this book

As a drought changes the marsh near their home, a brother and sister discover a mysterious sculpture and grow closer through a summer of change. Gillian McDunn's novel is a lyrical story about family, art, and the natural world. Nominated for the 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award (grades 3-5), administered by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians.

## Themes

- family
- nature
- art
- change

## Where this book is assigned

### South Carolina Children's Book Award

- **recommended** · 3rd grade · South Carolina — [source: 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees (South Carolina Association of School Librarians / studySC)](https://studysc.org/sc-book-awards/sc-childrens-book-award-2026)
- **recommended** · 4th grade · South Carolina — [source: 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees (South Carolina Association of School Librarians / studySC)](https://studysc.org/sc-book-awards/sc-childrens-book-award-2026)
- **recommended** · 5th grade · South Carolina — [source: 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees (South Carolina Association of School Librarians / studySC)](https://studysc.org/sc-book-awards/sc-childrens-book-award-2026)

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