When young Ramon finds a giant black pearl beneath the seas of Baja California, he angers the giant manta ray who guards it. Neither Ramon nor his father understand the danger that such a pearl can bring. Both the Manta Diablo and the Sevillano (another pearl diver) are determined to get their hands on the pearl, even if they must kill Ramon to do so.

The Black Pearl was released as a major motion picture in 1978. The film starred Gilbert Roland, Carl Anderson, and Mario Custodio. A Royal Production Corporation picture. A William Cash/Saul Swimmer Production. Directed by Saul Swimmer.

From the reviews:

"Graceful, haunting tale of reason and superstition, about a young pearl diver, the great pearl he finds and the giant manta he angers." Recommended.

The New York Times

"The stark simplicity of the story and the deeper significance it holds in the triumph of good over evil add importance to the book, but even without that the book would be enjoyable as a rousing adventure tale with supernatural overtones and beautifully maintained tempo and suspense."

Zena Sutherland, The Best in Children's Books

"The aura of a legend, the intensity of a vision, the headlong force of stripped-down, keyed-up fiction."

Kirkus Reviews

"...a gripping story that will hold practically any age enthralled, and so well written that it can be read aloud with pleasure."

Horn Book

The Black Pearl's awards:

Newbery Honor Book. 1968