Danger on the Reef

By Jake Maddox and Giuliano Aloisi

Jasmine Lopez and her brother Arjun love exploring the coral reefs around Fiji, where their marine biologist parents are stationed. Jasmine, already a certified scuba diver, dreams of following in her parents' footsteps and wants to help Arjun do the same. Unfortunately her younger brother is sure he already knows everything. That attitude gets them into danger when Arjun drifts too far from the group during a dive — and straight into a reef shark.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: Apr 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781515881063

Jake Maddox

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Book preview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover

Title Page

Chapter 1: The Cool Blue

Chapter 2: Unexpected Terror

Chapter 3: Jasmine’s Plan

Chapter 4: Sibling Connection

Chapter 5: Shark!

Chapter 6: Stop, Think, Breathe, Act

Chapter 7: Alone in the Water

Chapter 8: Diving Buddies

Author Bio

Illustrator Bio

Glossary

Discussion Questions

Writing Prompts

More About Scuba Diving

Explore More

Copyright

Back Cover

CHAPTER 1

THE COOL BLUE

Jasmine Lopez’s heart was racing with excitement as she climbed from the dive boat and into the South Pacific Ocean. The warm waters closed over her head. The world above disappeared as her weight vest pulled her deeper into the water.

Jasmine adjusted the goggles on her face and looked for her mother and diving buddy, Dr. Samaira Lopez. She was easy to spot in her blue wet suit, black fins, and bright, neon-yellow mask.

Mom tapped her own arm, then gave Jasmine a thumbs-up. That was code for one of the most important rules of scuba diving: Always stay close to your diving buddy.

Jasmine tapped her arm in reply and returned her mom’s thumbs-up. Then Mom held up six fingers.

Six fingers meant sixty feet. At twelve years old, Jasmine had been scuba diving for two years. That was the deepest she was allowed to dive. She held up six fingers in return to let Mom know she wouldn’t go any deeper.

Mom gave her two thumbs-up, and Jasmine grinned. The final safety check was complete.

Now it was time for some fun in Fiji, where her parents worked as marine biologists. They were studying the best ways to help regrow the coral reefs.

Mom descended to the reef, and Jasmine followed after her. Her fins propelled her through the clear blue water. Clown fish, orange and white, darted in and out of the coral.

Jasmine swam closer to the colorful scene up ahead. Golden damselfish, defending their territory, rushed at her. They were small and not really a threat,