Scan barcode
jenrud31's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Fast middle grade graphic novel about sisterhood and trying new things. Teaches kiddos about the racist history of public pools and beaches that have historically kept Black folks from participating in water sports. I love the intergenerational friendship that ties the story together.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Racism, and Classism
rich2023's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book surprised me. I thought it would be about a girl joining a swim team but it was so much more. This book goes over the history of why Black people don’t swim as much. Being denied and/ or having limited access to swimming pools during the time of Jim Crow and its impacts on the following generations.
Here is a quote that I loved:
“Matter of fact, black people swim, fish, canoe, surf, and everything else you can think of. “
natalialynch's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
This is the first graphic novel I have ever read and I absolutely loved it! Swim Team tells the story of Bree, a Black middle school student who moves to Florida with her dad. When she registers at school, the only elective that is available is Wim 101. Bree is horrified because she doesn't know how to swim and is embarrassed to try. I liked how the author was able to use thought bubbles to highlight her anxiety and negative self-talk throughout the story and how he was able to include some of the racist history related to public pools in the United States. I have been looking for more great books about female athletes and I was surprised to find that in so well done in a graphic novel!
bookishrealm's review against another edition
5.0
If you haven't read this middle grade graphic novel, you are officially missing out. I'm a firm believer that middle grade graphic novels authors and artists are out here doing some amazing work. Swim Team is no different.
I've been interested in Swim Team since it made it's debut, but it took me forever to get to it. The book focuses on a young girl by the name of Bree who is moving with her dad to a new state. While she's both excited and nervous about attending her new middle school, she becomes even more overwhelmed when she discovers that Swim 101 is the only elective left for her to take. Unable to swim, Bree works with friends and neighbors to overcome her fear of the water and help the middle school swim team become better than they've been in years.
One of my favorite aspects of this graphic novel was the blending of fact and fiction. While it does focus on Bree's fear of the water, it also delves into the reason why so many Black individuals don't know how to swim. It's all linked to segregation and Jim Crow when Black families were not permitted to swim in public pools. This eventually led to a lower likelihood that Black community members would be able to swim. Christmas does the perfect job of utilizing this historical fact to build the background stories of both Bree's father and their neighbor Ms. Etta. There are also themes of friendship, bullying, kindness, familial expectations and more that middle grade readers will be able to connect with. I enjoyed that the friendships weren't perfect and that they had to make conscious efforts to make things work.
Overall, this was a great read. I enjoyed so many different elements including the artwork which was fun and vibrant and engaging. I'm hoping that we get a second book in this series so that we can get more information about the repercussions for the coach at the other school.
I've been interested in Swim Team since it made it's debut, but it took me forever to get to it. The book focuses on a young girl by the name of Bree who is moving with her dad to a new state. While she's both excited and nervous about attending her new middle school, she becomes even more overwhelmed when she discovers that Swim 101 is the only elective left for her to take. Unable to swim, Bree works with friends and neighbors to overcome her fear of the water and help the middle school swim team become better than they've been in years.
One of my favorite aspects of this graphic novel was the blending of fact and fiction. While it does focus on Bree's fear of the water, it also delves into the reason why so many Black individuals don't know how to swim. It's all linked to segregation and Jim Crow when Black families were not permitted to swim in public pools. This eventually led to a lower likelihood that Black community members would be able to swim. Christmas does the perfect job of utilizing this historical fact to build the background stories of both Bree's father and their neighbor Ms. Etta. There are also themes of friendship, bullying, kindness, familial expectations and more that middle grade readers will be able to connect with. I enjoyed that the friendships weren't perfect and that they had to make conscious efforts to make things work.
Overall, this was a great read. I enjoyed so many different elements including the artwork which was fun and vibrant and engaging. I'm hoping that we get a second book in this series so that we can get more information about the repercussions for the coach at the other school.
creativelifeofliz's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really cute story about friendship and doing your best.
fernthepanda's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC courtesy of HarperAlley via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Part coming of age, part history lesson-this is a graphic novel that deals with bullies and friends and racial dynamics. It is just so very good.
For Libraries: Definitely a perfect for your graphic novel shelves.
Part coming of age, part history lesson-this is a graphic novel that deals with bullies and friends and racial dynamics. It is just so very good.
For Libraries: Definitely a perfect for your graphic novel shelves.
23missb's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
brittradomski's review
challenging
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5