The Best Young Adult Mermaid Books for Fans of The Little Mermaid

A Song Below Water by Bethany C Morrow

A Song Below Water follows Tavia, who needs to hide that she is a siren. When there is a siren murder trial, everything in Tavia’s life changes. It’s a captivating fantasy with magical and endearing moments that will keep you turning the page wanting more. When you’re finished, you’ll definitely want to check out the sequel, A Chorus Rises.

A Twisted Tale Anthology edited by Elizabeth Lim

A Twisted Tale Anthology is the first of a few books on this list that will release later this year. While only one story in this anthology features mermaids, it is worth picking up. Just like the Twisted Tale series, this is perfect for fans of everything Disney. 

Against the Tide by J Elle

If you see the new Little Mermaid adaptation, then you’ll immediately want to pick up the novelization. Against the Tide is a reimagining of The Little Mermaid and is inspired by the new live-action movie. It follows Ariel, who must work together with her siblings to find her sister Mala, who was abducted.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

All the Stars and Teeth is a great start to a fantasy duology that features mermaids. It follows Amora, who wants to secure her place as the heir to the throne. When everything goes wrong, she flees — but strikes a deal with a pirate. It’s a great duology that is guaranteed to keep you turning the page.

At Midnight: 15 Beloved Fairy Tales Reimagined by Dahlia Adler

At Midnight is another great anthology option on this list — perfect if you don’t want to read a full novel about mermaids. In this anthology, Meredith Russo reimagines The Little Mermaid. It’s such a great option if you’re a fan of fairy tales and want an entertaining story featuring mermaids.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester

If you’re looking for a book featuring mermaids that isn’t a fantasy, than you’ll want to pick this book up. Breath and Count Back from Ten follows Veronica, who has hip dysplasia. While she’s struggling to deal with her body, she auditions to become a mermaid at the local theme park. It’s a charming contemporary story about first love and discovering yourself.

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

In Other Lands is a unique fantasy that so many people will enjoy. It follows Elliot, who goes on a class field trip to the Borderlands. When he sees a wall that no one else can see, he has the opportunity to cross over and go to school in the Borderlands. While there, he discovers mermaids, elves, and other unique creatures. At the core, it’s a story about friendship, love, and discovering yourself.

Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal

Mermaid Moon has many parallels to The Little Mermaid, which makes it a great option when you feel the void after watching the movie. It follows Sanna, a mermaid who is the subject of a spell on the night of her birth. The spell causes everyone, including her mother to forget who she is. When she turns sixteen, she goes on a quest to find her mother.

Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive for edited by Zoraida Cordova and Natalie C Parker

Mermaids Never Drown is another anthology on this list that will be worth the wait! Each story in this anthology explores mermaids in unique and creative ways that will leave readers wanting more. If you’re looking for enjoyable short stories that feature mermaids, then this is the perfect book for you!

Out of the Blue by Jason June

Out of the Blue follows Crest, who needs to complete a journey that all merfolk complete. He must help a human within one moon cycle and if he fails, he must stay on land forever. While on land, he meets Sean and agrees to be his fake boyfriend in order to make his ex jealous. As they spend more time together, Crest starts viewing life as a human in a different way.

Part of Your World by Liz Braswell

This list wouldn’t be complete without including a Twisted Tale. Part of Your World puts a unique twist on the classic story we all know and love. In this story, Ariel didn’t succeed in defeating Ursula and it changes everything.

Part of Your World Graphic Novel by Stephanie Kate Strohm

If you’re more of a fan of graphic novels, then you’ll want to pick up this version of Part of Your World. It’s the same story as Part of Your World by Liz Braswell but in graphic novel form. It’s definitely worth picking up, even if you’ve already read the original Twisted Tale.

Poor Unfortunate Souls by Serena Valentino

If you’re a fan of Ursula, or Disney villains in general, then you’ll want to pick up Poor Unfortunate Souls. It shares the story of Ursula, and how she became the Sea Witch. It’s a unique look at her character and gives some motive behind her actions.

Prince of Song & Sea by Linsey Miller

There’s nothing better than Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, especially if you’re a true fan of Disney Princes. Prince of Song & Sea is a retelling of The Little Mermaid from the perspective of Prince Eric. It’s such a fresh take on the classic story and is certainly worth picking up.

Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space edited by Zoraida Cordova

Reclaim the Stars is another great anthology option on this list. If you’re looking for something with a taste of mermaids, but the book isn’t solely focused on them, then this is the perfect option.

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning

Sea Witch is a reimagining of The Little Mermaid. It follows Evie, who is dealing with the death of her best friend. When she notices a new girl appears, she’s convinced that her best friend survived because they resemble each other. Evie works to save her new friend’s humanity all while catching the eye of a prince. It’s a story full of magic and love with a little bit of darkness mixed in. 

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

Skin of the Sea follows Simi, a mermaid who collects the souls of those who die at sea. When a living boy is thrown overboard, she goes against the rules and decides to save him. It’s an epic fantasy full of interesting creatures, secrets, and treacherous moments. When you’re done reading, you’ll want to pick up the sequel, Soul of the Deep. 

The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea follows Flora, an orphan who takes on the identity of a man and works as a pirate. While on board, Flora meets Evelyn and they discover a deep bond. This leads to an action-packed plot that features a mermaid, a witch, and the mysterious Pirate Supreme.

The Siren by Kiera Cass

The Siren follows Kahlen, who was rescued from drowning by the ocean. Since then, she’s served as a siren, luring others to their death. While she can kill with her voice, she enjoys spending her days on land, watching others. When she meets Akinli, they form a strong connection with each other, even though she can’t speak to him. The Siren is a romantic reimagining of The Little Mermaid that so many will enjoy.

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo is one of the darkest reimaginings of The Little Mermaid on this list. It follows Lira, a princess who also happens to be the deadliest siren. When a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own, she’s punished and sent to live as a human on land. To return, she has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen. It’s a dark story that delivers with each page. If you love dual POV’s, then you’ll love this read!