Books About Diving

The Best Diving Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about diving? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Who Was Jacques Cousteau?
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Diving

Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Jabari Jumps

By Gaia Cornwall · Jabari series

A young boy faces his fears and learns to jump off a diving board with the help of his dad.

Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2018)
32 pages· 464 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,647 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jabari has completed his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, but the diving board looms large. As he watches others jump, his confidence wavers. With his father's supportive hand, Jabari musters the courage to take the plunge. Will he overcome his fear and make a splash? This heartwarming tale explores the bravery needed to face one's fears and the bond between a father and son.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Who Was Jacques Cousteau?

The life of Jacques Cousteau, a French naval officer, explorer, and filmmaker who revolutionized underwater exploration and conservation.

112 pages· 7,426 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 335 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Discover the journey of Jacques Cousteau, a naval officer turned ocean explorer, who revolutionized underwater exploration. From his first dive off France's coast to his groundbreaking documentaries, Cousteau's adventures beneath the waves captivated the world. What secrets did he uncover in the deep, and how did his innovations transform our understanding of the ocean? Dive into a story of passion, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of the unknown.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Luciana: Braving the Deep

A young astronaut faces sabotage and fear at training camp. Will her Mars dreams survive?

176 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 308 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Luciana dreams of being the first kid on Mars, but at astronaut training camp, her hopes are jeopardized. Accusing her diving partner of sabotage, Luci finds herself isolated and doubted. An underwater crisis forces her to confront her deepest fears. Can she overcome these challenges, or will her dreams of space exploration slip away? Dive into Luciana's journey of resilience and discovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

The Search for the Sunken Treasure: Australia

A daring mission to the Great Barrier Reef uncovers pirates and deadly creatures. Can he survive?

128 pages· 10,017 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 478 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jack dives into danger at the Great Barrier Reef, investigating a diver's disappearance. Armed with a morphing suit and an egg-shaped submarine, he uncovers a pirate plot. Facing Komodo dragons, sharks, and lethal jellyfish, Jack must outwit the villains and survive the ocean's perils. Will he rescue the diver and protect the treasure, or become another victim of the deep? Adventure and suspense await as Jack battles nature and nefarious foes.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Courage

A young diver faces family turmoil and suspicion as his brother returns from prison.

368 pages· 69,094 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 204 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: T’Shawn's life is a balancing act between his dreams and family struggles. With his father gone and his brother Lamont returning from prison, T’Shawn finds solace in a diving scholarship. But as crime rises in their neighborhood, suspicion falls on Lamont, threatening to shatter their fragile bond. Can T’Shawn trust his brother and mend their relationship, or will the past pull them apart? Dive into a story of resilience, hope, and the quest for second chances.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1998

Shark Attack!

Uncover the truth about sharks and their misunderstood nature.

64 pages· 3,865 words· Est. 43 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 118 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the world of sharks with 'Shark Attack!' and discover the truth behind these ocean giants. This engaging book for young readers reveals fascinating facts, debunks myths, and explores the vital role sharks play in our ecosystem. With vivid illustrations and captivating stories, children will learn why these creatures are more than just feared predators. Are sharks savage killers or endangered victims? Find out as you explore their interactions with humans and the ocean's depths. Perfect for budding readers ready to explore on their own, this book promises to spark curiosity and a love for marine life.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Cannonball

By Sacha Cotter, Josh Morgan (Illustrator)

A boy seeks the secret to the perfect cannonball, discovering it's all about being himself.

40 pages· 522 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.9/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 473 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young boy is determined to execute the perfect cannonball, but everyone has their own advice—more weight, bigger shorts, more muscles. Amidst the noise, he learns that true success comes from listening to his own voice. As he embraces his unique style, he discovers the courage to make a splash that truly impresses. This summer tale celebrates individuality and native culture, inviting readers to find their own path to greatness.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Thunderbolt

By Wilbur Smith · Book #2 in the Jack Courtney series

Captured by pirates, Jack must escape a militia camp. Can he outsmart his captors?

277 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 493 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Fourteen-year-old Jack Courtney and his friends, Amelia and Xander, are diving for treasure in Zanzibar when Somali pirates capture them. Refusing to let his mother pay a ransom, Jack is determined to escape. Transferred to a militia camp, their only ally is Mo, a clever Somali boy. As they face the ruthless General Sir, can Jack and his friends outwit their captors and find freedom? This thrilling adventure tests their courage and ingenuity at every turn.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2025

The Discovery

By Gordon Korman · Book #1 in the Dive series

Four kids dive into danger, facing sharks and secrets beneath the sea.

144 pages· 26,909 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 2,320 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kaz, Dante, Adriana, and Star embark on a summer adventure, diving into the ocean's depths. But lurking beneath the waves are killer sharks and a hidden conspiracy. As they uncover a mysterious secret, their lives are at risk. What truths lie beneath the surface, and will they survive the dangers of the deep? This thrilling journey promises discovery and peril at every turn.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

The Ocean Calls

By Tina Cho, Jess X. Snow (Illustrator)

A girl faces her fear of the sea with her diving grandmother's guidance.

48 pages
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 861 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dayeon dreams of becoming a haenyeo like her grandmother, diving for treasures off Jeju Island. Haunted by a past sea memory, she hesitates at the shore. With her grandmother's wisdom and the ocean's allure, will Dayeon find the courage to dive into her destiny?
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Diving Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about diving for developing and independent readers.

Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2799

Live and Let Dive

Ages 8–13 · 2024

Can he overcome self-doubt and prove he's not a quitter?

Deep-Sea Treasure Dive
0

Deep-Sea Treasure Dive

Ages 8–12

Jacques Cousteau

Ages 10–12 · 2008

Dive into the thrilling underwater adventures of a pioneering oceanographer who changed how we see the sea.

Dive Right In

Ages 8–11 · 2002

A young gymnast faces a tough choice: risk injury or find a new passion.

View all diving chapter books
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