The Black Pearl is a novel by Scott O’Dell. The story takes place in a small coastal town in Baja California during the early 1800s. Ramón Salazar is sixteen years old, and he wants to become a pearl diver like his father. He learns about a mysterious black pearl that is believed to be the “Pearl of Heaven.” Ramón is obsessed with the idea of finding this pearl so that he can impress his father. After days of diving, Ramón finds a giant black pearl believed to be the legendary Pearl of Heaven. The pearl is extremely valuable, but it is also believed to be cursed because it belongs to an evil manta ray known as Manta Diablo. Ramón’s life is forever changed after finding the black pearl, and he must decide whether to keep it for himself or return it to the lagoon where he found it.

This book is filled with adventure and suspense. This is a coming-of-age story for the main character as he faces the challenges of his newfound wealth and the dangers it brings. This book warns about the destructive consequences of seeking riches and of being consumed by ambition. However, this book also teaches about the values of perseverance and courage. The characters are well developed and realistic, making the story vivid and engaging. I found the pacing to be somewhat slow, but this book is thought-provoking and rewarding. This may not be my favorite Newbery Honor book, but it is worth reading and could be inspirational for readers of all ages.

The Black Pearl by Scott O’Dell is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.