turrean's review
5.0
Heartwarming and sweet. The resolution depends more than a little on coincidence, the parallel events separated by decades support the story and absolutely everyone gets a second chance to learn and grow.
I tried for several minutes to think of a swimming-related pun but I’m afraid I was just in over my head.
I tried for several minutes to think of a swimming-related pun but I’m afraid I was just in over my head.
evaosterlee's review
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
theinkwyrm's review
4.0
Such a sweet graphic novel! I love anything to do with water, so this was great. Also, touched on how racism impacted the ability of POC to access public resources like pools and continues to manifest itself today.
heatherbermingham's review
3.0
This is a sweet coming of age story, and I love how it tucks in some history about Black swimming culture and why a lot of Black adults, particularly of a certain age, aren't comfortable in water. All of the main characters are distinctly drawn and all are a mix of confident and questioning. After reading Varian Johnson's "Twins," I had a lot of students come back asking for graphic novels starring Black kids and there really aren't that many. (Take note, publishers!) Will definitely be purchasing this for our library in the fall.
kaloughl's review
5.0
I really loved this graphic novel! It has the essence of a feel-good sports movie - main character moves to a new place and has to overcome anxious thoughts to succeed at a task and then you add in team spirit and a goal to win a long awaited trophy. As a swimmer, it was very exciting to read a book that captures the team element of the sport. And on top of it all, this book gives historical context of racism around pools and public places. Black Americans are more likely to not be able to swim and to die accidental drowning deaths but this isn't about skill or ability. It's about how for years Black Americans were kept out of public pools and beaches so whole generations grew up without access to places to learn. I loved the inclusion of an older generation of swimmers that help our current younguns come together. Swim Team is a sweet, important, and entertaining graphic novel with a whole lot of heart. It is perfect for fans of Roller Girl and New Kid should not be missed!
jen_sometimes's review
adventurous
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? No
5.0