Marq and his friends live on the shores of Mara, flooded with Florkers from inland who stole their homes long ago. Marq is so angry with his absent dad, and the Ticket Takers who make their lives difficult with rules and fines, that he doesn’t know how to have fun. When Marq complains, his elders tell him to have patience, that it’s “almost time.”
But time for what?
Mysterious Amber leads him into the deep sea and deep trouble. While imprisoned in the vaults of Flork, Marq wonders if his mother’s story about the Queen Fish and the boy who talks to sea creatures might be true. But he’s not the only one. Kookem, Ketchum and Keepum have the ear of King Bunderquit, and their own plans for the hidden treasures of the sea.
Praise for Marq and the Queen Fish
“Original, imaginative, deftly crafted, and thoroughly ‘kid friendly’ in style and tone, “Marq and the Queen Fish” by author/storyteller Martha Cinader is a fun and memorable read from start to finish… especially and unreservedly recommended pick for middle school, high school, and community library YA Fiction collections for young readers ages 13-18…” – Jim Cox, Midwest Book Review, Children’s Bookwatch, October 2026 Read the full Review
“Martha Cinader’s Marq and the Queen Fish is refreshing, unique, and well-written. I have never read anything like this before, and it really piqued my interest. I read the book in one sitting. Every description of the sea made me miss my childhood moments of playing by the sea. It made me appreciate the beauty of marine life as well.”
— Cloie Belle Daffon, ★★★★★ — Readers’ Favorite Read the full review
“The book’s most distinctive idea is that listening can change your understanding of the world. Songs, family stories, handmade objects, and the sea itself all carry knowledge that deserves attention.”
★★★★★ — Literary Titan Read the full review
“…an engaging tale that captivates readers from the very first sentence. After reading this book, don’t be surprised if young readers ask for a vacation at the beach!” — Yvette R. Murray, author of Celebrate We Gullah Geechee.
“Thick with world building and imaginative genius … a powerful critique of our world in all its blemishes while envisioning what it can become.” — Tony Robles, Author of Lakas and the Manilatown Fish
“…a beautiful allegory for the reclamation of our collective power and freedom.” — Elizabeth Perlman, Author of Word Magic: The Power of Writing to Reframe Your Story & Reclaim Your Intuition
