Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

-from Amazon

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY: 

Christmas, Johnnie. 2022. SWIM TEAM. New York: HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 978-1-51605-076-5.

2. PLOT SUMMARY: 

Bree’s life changes in big ways when she moves across the country with her dad from Brooklyn to Florida. At her new school, not only was Bree the new girl, but she was also forced into an elective she really didn’t want- Swimming 101. Thankfully, a kind, older neighbor, Etta, volunteered to teach Bree how to swim.  Not only did Etta teach Bree about swimming, she taught her about the history of African-Americans and swimming. Bree joins the school’s swim team, and makes some good friends too.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS: 

What a great book!  This story speaks to all of us who have had to be the ‘new kid’ at some point, or have had to face and conquer a fear.  There are strong themes of community and friendship throughout the book. 

It seems intentional that Christmas gives kids a window into better understanding and maybe even empathizing with their parents. The struggles of single parenthood are present, as well as a revelation that parents have fears and emotional baggage that affect the way they show up (or don’t show up) for their kids. 

It is educational also. Etta’s explanation of the effects that racism and prejudice has had on black people’s access to pools and therefore, involvement in swimming had never occurred to me.  

There is also social commentary on the discrepancies that still exist in the American education system. 

The illustrations are terrific!  They are colorful and engaging, but they also maintain a sense of reality. The characters are drawn in a realistic manner, with faces, hair and body shapes that reflect those of real people. 

4. REVIEWS

Booklist starred, (April 2022)

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, 2023

Kirkus Reviews starred, (March 2022) “To her surprise, Bree, with her newfound water skills, eventually finds herself on the school’s swim team, navigating competition, her anxiety, and new, meaningful relationships. Problem-solving through perseverance and friendship is the real win in this deeply smart and inspiring story.”

Publishers Weekly starred, (April 2022)

School Library Journal starred, (April 2022) “The work presents an opportunity for readers to reflect on both typical childhood issues as well as the systemic issues the United States has faced for centuries such as the lack of access to pools and resources for Black athletes. Rich with images and references to Black culture, this text will serve as a mirror and window for readers.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book naturally pairs well with Jerry Craft’s New Kid as another ‘the new kid at school’ story.