Bree is a math enthusiast who moves from Brooklyn to Florida, only to find the only available elective at her new middle school is Swim Prep. Despite a paralyzing fear of the water, she is forced to face the pool. With the help of Etta, an elderly neighbor and former competitive swimmer, Bree learns to navigate the water and uncovers the local history of segregation that kept Black families out of municipal pools. She eventually joins the Mighty Otters, leading her struggling team toward a championship against their affluent rivals.
Middle-grade readers and fans of graphic memoirs find a realistic portrayal of overcoming anxiety and the importance of intergenerational mentorship in these pages. The story provides a historical perspective on racial barriers in American athletics while focusing on the mechanics of teamwork and persistent practice. Readers walk away with an understanding of how systemic exclusion affects modern sports and a clear example of how community support helps individuals master difficult new physical skills.
- Published
- 2022
- Language
- EN
