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gurnoor's review
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Racism
Moderate: Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Body shaming
careinthelibrary's review
fast-paced
3.0
This is cute and emotional. I liked the way Christmas used history to motivate the characters. It was a great method to introduce civil rights and segregation into a contemporary story about a swim team. This also touches on themes of classism, parent/child relationships, and friendship.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Racism, Body shaming, and Medical content
Minor: Death and Vomit
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was fantastic! I loved the way that history was woven into this story. Bree's confidence grows throughout the book; she meets an amazing new friend group who also helps her. But of course, they're not without the typical turbulence of middle school friendships. It also felt so realistic and well written.
The art was also great! It felt reminiscent of New Kid by Jerry Craft, and middle graders who love that will definitely love this one as well!
The art was also great! It felt reminiscent of New Kid by Jerry Craft, and middle graders who love that will definitely love this one as well!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Medical content, and Racism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, and Classism
Minor: Death, Violence, and Vomit
bookgurl488's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was informative and fun. All of the characters were great. I liked that the history of swimming in the African American community was explained in the story. I really enjoyed seeing both teams come full circle.
If I had one issue with this story, it would be that Bree(mc) needed to learn how to control her anger better.
If I had one issue with this story, it would be that Bree(mc) needed to learn how to control her anger better.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Classism, and Racism
emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Oooo this was so good! My ONE criticism is that because the book was covering a relatively large swath of time and many events, some parts felt a little rushed. Apart from that, I loved this book and want everyone to read it!!
First of all the colour palette was so well done, especially in the art of the MC's apartment building; it felt very "Floridian" which enhanced the sense of place. The character development was also spot on. Every character has a thoughtful and well-executed arc. My favourites were of course Bree's (learning to swim) and Ms. Etta's (reconnecting with her swim sisters - the introduction of this part was really clever!). Also, this book made me really miss swimming! I just want to jump in a pool now.
Finally, and most importantly, I really appreciated being taught about the reason why there is the racist stereotype of "Black people can't swim." It added a whole other layer of significance to the story and filled a massive gap in my knowledge.
First of all the colour palette was so well done, especially in the art of the MC's apartment building; it felt very "Floridian" which enhanced the sense of place. The character development was also spot on. Every character has a thoughtful and well-executed arc. My favourites were of course Bree's (learning to swim) and Ms. Etta's (reconnecting with her swim sisters - the introduction of this part was really clever!). Also, this book made me really miss swimming! I just want to jump in a pool now.
Finally, and most importantly, I really appreciated being taught about the reason why there is the racist stereotype of "Black people can't swim." It added a whole other layer of significance to the story and filled a massive gap in my knowledge.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Classism, and Bullying
Minor: Vomit, Toxic friendship, Murder, and Violence
Minor warnings for drowning and disordered eating.kayladaila's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy!
When Bree moves to Florida, she is unwillingly placed in a swimming elective class, but she can’t swim. After her neighbor teaches her, Bree goes on to join the swim team and make friends. This book was great! The story is well paced, the characters are well developed, and the art is so bright and fun. Bree’s anxiety and self-doubt and the way they disappear when she swims was done in a way that could only be visual and it was neat! There’s a small history flashback to address the stereotype that black people can’t swim, and it’s included seamlessly without feeling too heavy handed. I think my students would love this book the same way they devour Raina Telgemeier.
When Bree moves to Florida, she is unwillingly placed in a swimming elective class, but she can’t swim. After her neighbor teaches her, Bree goes on to join the swim team and make friends. This book was great! The story is well paced, the characters are well developed, and the art is so bright and fun. Bree’s anxiety and self-doubt and the way they disappear when she swims was done in a way that could only be visual and it was neat! There’s a small history flashback to address the stereotype that black people can’t swim, and it’s included seamlessly without feeling too heavy handed. I think my students would love this book the same way they devour Raina Telgemeier.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Classism
Minor: Racism
thesaltiestlibrarian's review
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Johnnie Christmas has absolutely killed it with this graphic novel. Not only do we get to see a healthy and touching father-daughter relationship, we get positive female friendships and sports and girls who don't have to choose between being smart and being athletic.
Bree and her father are moving to Florida, where a better opportunity for his career--and furthering his training--can be had for a decent chunk o' change. Bree is dead set on joining the math team at her new school, but when she goes to sign up for it, every slot is filled. Instead, nudged by the new friend at school who lives in her building, she joins the swim team. Here's the kicker: she can't swim.
I just loved this so much. Every character had a distinct voice and bearing, and the plot hit each mark as it progressed. Not to mention the color palette, style, and expressions on the people were just fantastic. We have so many patrons here who would fall in love with SWIM TEAM, and I can't wait to get it into their hands when we get our copy!
Johnnie Christmas has absolutely killed it with this graphic novel. Not only do we get to see a healthy and touching father-daughter relationship, we get positive female friendships and sports and girls who don't have to choose between being smart and being athletic.
Bree and her father are moving to Florida, where a better opportunity for his career--and furthering his training--can be had for a decent chunk o' change. Bree is dead set on joining the math team at her new school, but when she goes to sign up for it, every slot is filled. Instead, nudged by the new friend at school who lives in her building, she joins the swim team. Here's the kicker: she can't swim.
I just loved this so much. Every character had a distinct voice and bearing, and the plot hit each mark as it progressed. Not to mention the color palette, style, and expressions on the people were just fantastic. We have so many patrons here who would fall in love with SWIM TEAM, and I can't wait to get it into their hands when we get our copy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Classism, Body shaming, and Racism
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