A review by kaloughl
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

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!