‘The Scuba Diving Duo,’ by Madison Burns, a student at West Hartford’s Sedgwick Middle School, was released earlier this summer.

By Kaily Martinez

Two years ago Madison Burns found two Christmas ornaments of a scuba diving couple that represented her parents.

Shortly after seeing the two ornaments of her parents, it inspired Madison, a pre-teen who lives in West Hartford, to write a book. After much time, effort and dedication, “The Scuba Diving Duo” by the now-rising seventh-grader was finally published on Amazon earlier this summer.  

Since Madison Burns is under 18, publishing the book was a bit difficult. Madison and her mother, Jaimie Burns, realized they could not go through any independent bookstores since she is underage. However, Madison’s aunt recommended Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon’s self-publishing option. 

“We feel really inspired by Madison. She’s extremely determined to want to help and want to make a difference in the world, and she’s also extremely passionate about writing. So, her being able to take these two pieces and put them together has been really awesome to see,” Jaimie Burns said.

“The Scuba Diving Duo,” by Madison Burns. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

Readers will meet one of the main characters, Nya, a teenage girl who begins her first day of high school after being homeschooled for quite a while. Nya encounters a group of mean girls who continuously jab at her because they think she’s strange. However, what they don’t know is somehow, Nya has a secret that gives her the ability to breathe underwater.

While Nya is one of the main characters, the point of view periodically changes to the other main character, David, a teenage boy who also deals with his fair share of bullies at school.

Over time, Nya and David fall in love and learn how to “nurture their relationship.” With Nya’s father being overprotective and a fight breaking out, readers will be compelled to read more.

During an interview, Madison said it took a long time to write the novel, with a year dedicated to writing and about half a year for editing. “The editing is the worst part,” she admitted. Yet, the end product was all worth it. 

“The Scuba Diving Duo” was dedicated to her great-grandmother. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

Madison decided to donate a portion of the book proceeds to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a nonprofit marine conservation organization that works hard to protect the endangered vaquita porpoise, one of Madison’s favorite animals. 

“I felt really proud of myself because I’ve always wanted to share my ideas with the world. When I was younger, I felt I couldn’t really help the Vaquitas, but now I’m kind of educating people on them, so I’m helping them a little bit,” Madison said. 

Ever since Madison was little, she has wanted to help endangered species, Jaimie Burns said. Not only has she helped them, but she has also shown that no matter your age, you can still make a difference in the world, Burns continued.

While her debut novel does not dive extremely deep into the vaquita porpoise, Madison is writing another book that does. Her second novel focuses on a girl named Emma, an undercover spy working to save the vaquita porpoise. 

With “The Scuba Diving Duo,” readers from 10 to 16 should enjoy this romantic sci-fi with hints of Greek mythology. “But I think anyone can enjoy the book if they want to,” Madison said.

“The Scuba Diving Duo,” by Madison Burns. Photo Credit: Kaily Martinez

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.