Julie Gilbert (Library)

Julie Gilbert wrote a series of four children’s books, which were released this spring. The Dark Waters series, published by Stone Arch Books, tells the story of India Finch and her mermaid friends. Known as hi-lo books (high interest for low level readers), the series is written for teens who read at a second grade level, thus encouraging reluctant readers. Gilbert’s novels grew partially out of her academic research on recreational reading and diversity initiatives in academic libraries.