A Song Below Water

Identity, Racism, and Social Justice are major themes in A Song Below Water. What social injustices are described in the novel, and how are they handled by Tavia and Effie (i.e., Tavia and Effie’s class discussions on civil liberties and sirens, Rhoda Taylor’s murder, the protest, etc.)? If the novel were to continue, do you think Tavia’s restoration of Effie’s victims would affect other issues, such as racism and police brutality? Why or why not?

Since the novel is set in modern day (albeit with mythological creatures), in what ways does it speak to current societal issues using its own mythos? What issues from the novel still exist in our world, and what does Tavia’s character suggest we do to deal with them?

Why do you think Bethany Morrow chose to have the novel told through Tavia and Effie's alternating perspectives? How does Tavia’s plot line enrich Effie’s, and vice versa? Did you find one girl’s plot line more interesting than the other? Why?