Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories About the Ocean

Boone, Mary

ISBN 10: 0593904788 ISBN 13: 9780593904787

Publisher: Bright Matter Books, 2026

Synopsis

Wrestle an octopus, swim through a sunken city, and discover 20 incredible-but-true stories from our unbelievable—and unpredictable—oceans. From acclaimed nonfiction writer Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the fascinating stories that take place under (and above) the sea.

Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP?

As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean's surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more.

From accomplished nonfiction author Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the unfathomable tales our oceans have to tell. Each chapter contains one story, with interview quotes and hands-on research that uncovers the science and history behind the event. You’ll get facts AND more!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

About this title

About the Author

Mary Boone has ridden an elephant, jumped out of an airplane, DNA-tested salmon, and baked dozens of cricket cookies—all in the interest of research for her books and magazine articles. She's written more than 70 nonfiction books for young readers. She loves creating the sorts of books that make readers say WOW! Mary grew up on a farm in Iowa and spent many years writing and editing for daily newspapers. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington.

Max Temescu

Edition details

• Publisher: Bright Matter Books
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593904788
• ISBN 13: 9780593904787
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Temescu Max
• Number of pages: 192