At first, this tale seems a very modern story of a family of scientists. Ida and Arthur Quail, internationally acclaimed marine biologists known as Dr. and Dr. Quail, are at the bottom of the sea in "the egg," a submarine-like contraption built by their 11-year-old daughter, Fidelia. Yes, 11.

Fidelia is topside in a little boat, excitedly trying to tag a new species of shark she's named Grizzle. She's a little afraid, but mostly thrilled to think she could be on the cusp of an amazing discovery.

When a fierce storm rolls in, Fidelia narrowly makes it back to shore; tragically, her parents do not.

Soon after, a pirate sails in and kidnaps Fidelia. Merrick the Monstrous, who is wanted for treason, needs Fidelia's scientific smarts to help recover a sunken treasure. Merrick must get it before his archenemy, Admiral Percy J. Bridgewater, gets him.

Fidelia Quail has a lot to offer as a fearless but tender hero - she's innovative; she's an independent thinker; she cares about people; she values family. And Race to the Bottom of the Sea has a lot to offer too: from swashbuckling scientists and scalawags to a sweet ending that will make readers smile.