Sink or Swim

Sarah Mlynowski’s *Sink or Swim* plunges readers back into the hilarious and chaotic world of a brother and sister who have a knack for accidentally – and now deliberately – messing with fairy tales. When their magic mirror transports them into the story of the Little Mermaid, they find themselves in a race against time to avert a disastrous, and potentially fatal, ending for the iconic mermaid. This isn't a simple retelling; the siblings are tasked with the daunting challenge of convincing their mermaid protagonist to embrace her legs, orchestrate a royal wedding, and all while dodging hungry sharks. It's a high-stakes adventure where keeping their friend happy means saving themselves from being lost at sea forever. *Sink or Swim* absolutely deserves its place on a list of Sarah Mlynowski's best books for its signature blend of humor, relatable sibling dynamics, and inventive fairy tale twists. Mlynowski excels at taking familiar stories and giving them a fresh, modern spin that appeals to younger readers. The frantic energy of the siblings' predicament, their witty banter, and the high stakes involved make for an engaging and fast-paced read. Furthermore, the book champions themes of friendship and agency, subtly encouraging readers to consider how they might rewrite endings and create their own happy conclusions, a hallmark of Mlynowski's ability to craft stories with both entertainment and heart.