TOGETHER WE SWIM
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2023 KIRKUS PRIZE
YOUNG READERS' FINALIST A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son’s relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons. Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom’s steady arms, there’s no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family’s cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool. Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. |
Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1797212494
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1797212494
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“Touching moments in the art pair well with the text. Black family pride and joy abound—this is a family that allows its little ones the space to make forays into independence while supporting them every step of the way. Warmly buoyant.”
— Kirkus, starred review (Read the entire review here.)
"Dynamic, blue-hued illustrations make excellent use of vignettes and highlight movement and time passing, as well as celebrate the special parent-child relationship Bolling explored so well in Together We Ride that forms the heart of the story. Readers will love the illustrator’s details: swim caps on the girls, Dad’s mermaid tattoo, and the way the close family sticks together in and out of the pool. It’s a triumph when the boy makes his first steady kicks and swaggers ahead of his family, proud and confident. VERDICT This excellent read-aloud celebrates accomplishment and honors fear and a misstep or two. Recommended for all libraries."
— School Library Journal
“Bolling’s succinct, concise, yet seamless rhyming lines join with Juanita’s gorgeous artwork to illustrate a close-knit Black family’s joy-filled day at the pool . . . this second collaboration of Bolling and Juanita is testament to the success of their teamwork." — Booklist, starred review
Swimming is an important life skill, yet the legacy of systemic racism and continued inequities in the U.S. result in fewer Black children knowing how to swim. That makes this book, featuring a Black family of four, all the more meaningful. Enjoying a day at the pool, Ma teaches her young son how to swim as Dad and older sister (from Together We Ride, rev. 5/22) encourage and cheer him on. From the tentative “toe dip” to learning to float, kick, and stroke, the boy is supported by his family through his successes and a “small blunder.” Eventually, he gets “in the zone” and swims on his own for the first time. Bolling’s short rhyming text is accessible to those just dipping their toes into the reading waters. The illustrations in muted tones include lots of details: Dad’s tattoo, Ma and Sister’s swim caps, textured hair, and varied skin tones—cultural touches that embrace and celebrate diversity. Drawing viewers into the space of the pool, the perspective makes us feel as if we are immersed with the family. The book ends with the joyful exuberance of conquering one’s fears and with the calming steadiness of a loving family.
— The Horn Book
- At a Black-owned bookstore, like Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts
- At your local bookstore (If they don't have it, please ask them to order it!)
- Bookshop
- Barnes & Noble
- Amazon
“Touching moments in the art pair well with the text. Black family pride and joy abound—this is a family that allows its little ones the space to make forays into independence while supporting them every step of the way. Warmly buoyant.”
— Kirkus, starred review (Read the entire review here.)
"Dynamic, blue-hued illustrations make excellent use of vignettes and highlight movement and time passing, as well as celebrate the special parent-child relationship Bolling explored so well in Together We Ride that forms the heart of the story. Readers will love the illustrator’s details: swim caps on the girls, Dad’s mermaid tattoo, and the way the close family sticks together in and out of the pool. It’s a triumph when the boy makes his first steady kicks and swaggers ahead of his family, proud and confident. VERDICT This excellent read-aloud celebrates accomplishment and honors fear and a misstep or two. Recommended for all libraries."
— School Library Journal
“Bolling’s succinct, concise, yet seamless rhyming lines join with Juanita’s gorgeous artwork to illustrate a close-knit Black family’s joy-filled day at the pool . . . this second collaboration of Bolling and Juanita is testament to the success of their teamwork." — Booklist, starred review
Swimming is an important life skill, yet the legacy of systemic racism and continued inequities in the U.S. result in fewer Black children knowing how to swim. That makes this book, featuring a Black family of four, all the more meaningful. Enjoying a day at the pool, Ma teaches her young son how to swim as Dad and older sister (from Together We Ride, rev. 5/22) encourage and cheer him on. From the tentative “toe dip” to learning to float, kick, and stroke, the boy is supported by his family through his successes and a “small blunder.” Eventually, he gets “in the zone” and swims on his own for the first time. Bolling’s short rhyming text is accessible to those just dipping their toes into the reading waters. The illustrations in muted tones include lots of details: Dad’s tattoo, Ma and Sister’s swim caps, textured hair, and varied skin tones—cultural touches that embrace and celebrate diversity. Drawing viewers into the space of the pool, the perspective makes us feel as if we are immersed with the family. The book ends with the joyful exuberance of conquering one’s fears and with the calming steadiness of a loving family.
— The Horn Book