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Swimming into Trouble
Temporarily sidelined from her swim team by an earache, Julia won't be kept down in this buoyant illustrated novel for ages 7 to 10 by acclaimed writer Angela Ahn.
As a member of the Vipers Swim Team, Julia Nam's always in the pool. Mountainview Community Center is like her second home, not only because swimming at the aquatic center is her favorite thing in the world, but also because her parents run the center's sushi café. Julia would much rather be in the pool than sitting behind the counter of Sushi on the Go! watching other people swim.
She's the youngest swimmer on the team, but definitely not the slowest. Julia can't wait for Personal Best Day — the most important day for all of the swimmers. If their times are good enough, they can enter a big regional swim meet.
But then the worst thing happens. A sharp pain in Julia's ear reveals an infection and she's forbidden to swim for ten days. How can she get timed during Personal Best Day when she's not allowed in the water?
Julia is desperate to get back in the pool, even if it means having to go behind her parents' backs in order to do so. But Julia's solution lands her in a sticky situation, and it's going to require the entire community center to come together to help her out of it!
As a member of the Vipers Swim Team, Julia Nam's always in the pool. Mountainview Community Center is like her second home, not only because swimming at the aquatic center is her favorite thing in the world, but also because her parents run the center's sushi café. Julia would much rather be in the pool than sitting behind the counter of Sushi on the Go! watching other people swim.
She's the youngest swimmer on the team, but definitely not the slowest. Julia can't wait for Personal Best Day — the most important day for all of the swimmers. If their times are good enough, they can enter a big regional swim meet.
But then the worst thing happens. A sharp pain in Julia's ear reveals an infection and she's forbidden to swim for ten days. How can she get timed during Personal Best Day when she's not allowed in the water?
Julia is desperate to get back in the pool, even if it means having to go behind her parents' backs in order to do so. But Julia's solution lands her in a sticky situation, and it's going to require the entire community center to come together to help her out of it!
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
6 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Angela Ahn
8 books20 followersThanks for finding me! I don't check Goodreads. Please connect with me on Twitter @angelaahnbooks or Instagram @writeahn.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2023
A big-hearted debut middle grade book featuring Korean Canadian swimmer Julia who gets sidelined days before the swim team's Personal Best Day because of an ear infection. I loved that this story revolved around a community center and the various people who worked there. Julia's parents own a sushi restaurant right beside the center and are great friends with members of the community.
An important book about determination, learning patience and being a good team member told from the point of view of a girl who just wants to swim her hardest. Includes some great illustrations and is perfect for fans of books like the Salma series by Danny Ramadan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more books about Julia and her family.
An important book about determination, learning patience and being a good team member told from the point of view of a girl who just wants to swim her hardest. Includes some great illustrations and is perfect for fans of books like the Salma series by Danny Ramadan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more books about Julia and her family.
April 29, 2024
I thought the book was well written and had enjoyed the pictures as well. The way the author told the story made it easy to understand the problem the character went through and the lesson that had to be learned. Be patient! There will always be next time!
Julia a 9 year old girl is part of a swim team at the community center. It is located next door to her parents sushi shop. The coach had announced that the PBD (personal best day) was a week away. Then the coach finds out that Julia has been having a pain in her ear the last two days. So the coach had to tell Julia’s parents that she needs to go the doctor. Julia and her mom finds out that Julia has an ear infection and has to keep her ear dry for the next ten days and take her medicine. Julia was having a hard time missing practice and seeing everyone swim without her that she was trying to come up with ideas to be able to swim no matter what. She decides to take a plastic soup bowl and glue it over her ear. Julia was that devoted to swimming that she wanted to protect her ear so she could swim. It took Julia’s mom and the librarian to get the bowl off from Julia’s head. Even though Julia was disappointed she couldn’t participate in swimming and clock in her time; she learned she could be patient and partake in it next year. But participate and support the team by helping the coach out with the times. Olivia will have to watch out for Julia next year.
Julia a 9 year old girl is part of a swim team at the community center. It is located next door to her parents sushi shop. The coach had announced that the PBD (personal best day) was a week away. Then the coach finds out that Julia has been having a pain in her ear the last two days. So the coach had to tell Julia’s parents that she needs to go the doctor. Julia and her mom finds out that Julia has an ear infection and has to keep her ear dry for the next ten days and take her medicine. Julia was having a hard time missing practice and seeing everyone swim without her that she was trying to come up with ideas to be able to swim no matter what. She decides to take a plastic soup bowl and glue it over her ear. Julia was that devoted to swimming that she wanted to protect her ear so she could swim. It took Julia’s mom and the librarian to get the bowl off from Julia’s head. Even though Julia was disappointed she couldn’t participate in swimming and clock in her time; she learned she could be patient and partake in it next year. But participate and support the team by helping the coach out with the times. Olivia will have to watch out for Julia next year.
March 2, 2024
This was a good MG book about what to do when your dream is derailed, even temporarily. I loved the representation and how passionate Julia is about swimming. I want to see where this series goes!
3.75 stars
CW: medical issue, classism
3.75 stars
CW: medical issue, classism
Read
March 2, 2024Cute slice of life story about a girl who tries to fix her problem and eventually has to accept you can't always do everything you want to, but that it's not always the end of the world. Also, nice to see a book at this reading level that has a girl passionate about a sport.
October 25, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Nine-year-old Julia LOVES swimming. Her immigrant parents run Sushi-To-Go in the local community center, and sign her up for swimming lessons so she doesn't have to stay with the at the restaurant all the time, and she seems to have quite the talent for it. She's competitive, and glad that even though she is a year younger, she can still beat swimmers like Olivia. When she experiences some pain in her ear when she is doing some deeper dives, she isn't too worried, but when it continues, she lets her coach know, and she says that have to tell Julia's parents. The doctor at the walk in clinic diagnosis an ear infection. While she doesn't feel it is swimmer's ear, she prescribes an antibiotic and tells Julia she must stay out of the water for ten days. Knowing that Julia isn't the best at following instructions, her parents tell Julia she will no even be going to the pool for that time. Even though she tries to explain to the adults in her life that going for ten days without swimming is like them going for ten days without coffee, or tofu, or K-dramas, her parents are firm. Julia tries to research ways to keep the water out of her ears, especially since Olivia taunts her about not being able to make a big race, since she won't be able to participate in the qualifying time trials. This ends with Julia super gluing a plastic container to her ear, and the community center community stopping by her parents restaurant to help get it off. Julia learns her lesson, and I'm curious to see what other adventures she will find in her Vancouver community.
Strengths: When I was seven, I spent the entire summer being confined inside due to a severe ear infection. No swimming, just sitting on the couch reading. I don't know what the thought behind THAT was, but it was not enjoyable. Ear infections are a childhood problem I have not seen described very well, so it was good to see that representation. The community center was absolutely fascinating, and is based off the Hillcrest Community Center in Vancouver, BC. Wow! A library, a pool, an ice rink, sushi-- what doesn't it have? It was fun to see Julia have some freedom to explore, and her relationship with the librarian was great to see. Julia's love of swimming is also intriguing, and her angst at being denied her favorite pastime was handled perfectly. For purely selfish reasons, I'd love to see Ahn (Who also wrote Krista Kim-Bap) write a series with an 8th or 9th grade character!
Weaknesses: Since I deal with slightly older children who have a little more self control, it was hard to read about the bad choices that Julia was making. I would have loved to see more of her home life and her parents, because they seemed very interesting, but I'm sure that young readers will enjoy this just the way it is.
What I really think: While I liked this one a lot, it is a bit young for my students. I would definitely buy this for an elementary school, where it would be popular with the fans of modern day Ramona Quimby equivalents like Sheth's Nina Soni, McDonald's Judy Moody, Barrow's and Blackall's Ivy and Bean, Florence's Jasmine Toguchi, and other series with energetic young girls who pay homage to the B is for Betsy vibe.
Nine-year-old Julia LOVES swimming. Her immigrant parents run Sushi-To-Go in the local community center, and sign her up for swimming lessons so she doesn't have to stay with the at the restaurant all the time, and she seems to have quite the talent for it. She's competitive, and glad that even though she is a year younger, she can still beat swimmers like Olivia. When she experiences some pain in her ear when she is doing some deeper dives, she isn't too worried, but when it continues, she lets her coach know, and she says that have to tell Julia's parents. The doctor at the walk in clinic diagnosis an ear infection. While she doesn't feel it is swimmer's ear, she prescribes an antibiotic and tells Julia she must stay out of the water for ten days. Knowing that Julia isn't the best at following instructions, her parents tell Julia she will no even be going to the pool for that time. Even though she tries to explain to the adults in her life that going for ten days without swimming is like them going for ten days without coffee, or tofu, or K-dramas, her parents are firm. Julia tries to research ways to keep the water out of her ears, especially since Olivia taunts her about not being able to make a big race, since she won't be able to participate in the qualifying time trials. This ends with Julia super gluing a plastic container to her ear, and the community center community stopping by her parents restaurant to help get it off. Julia learns her lesson, and I'm curious to see what other adventures she will find in her Vancouver community.
Strengths: When I was seven, I spent the entire summer being confined inside due to a severe ear infection. No swimming, just sitting on the couch reading. I don't know what the thought behind THAT was, but it was not enjoyable. Ear infections are a childhood problem I have not seen described very well, so it was good to see that representation. The community center was absolutely fascinating, and is based off the Hillcrest Community Center in Vancouver, BC. Wow! A library, a pool, an ice rink, sushi-- what doesn't it have? It was fun to see Julia have some freedom to explore, and her relationship with the librarian was great to see. Julia's love of swimming is also intriguing, and her angst at being denied her favorite pastime was handled perfectly. For purely selfish reasons, I'd love to see Ahn (Who also wrote Krista Kim-Bap) write a series with an 8th or 9th grade character!
Weaknesses: Since I deal with slightly older children who have a little more self control, it was hard to read about the bad choices that Julia was making. I would have loved to see more of her home life and her parents, because they seemed very interesting, but I'm sure that young readers will enjoy this just the way it is.
What I really think: While I liked this one a lot, it is a bit young for my students. I would definitely buy this for an elementary school, where it would be popular with the fans of modern day Ramona Quimby equivalents like Sheth's Nina Soni, McDonald's Judy Moody, Barrow's and Blackall's Ivy and Bean, Florence's Jasmine Toguchi, and other series with energetic young girls who pay homage to the B is for Betsy vibe.
June 30, 2025
Angela Ahn dives right into the heart of a nine-year-old’s world with Julia on the Go! – Swimming Into Trouble, a funny, heartfelt, and highly relatable chapter book centred around family, ambition, and community.
Julia Nam is a lively, determined, and charmingly imperfect protagonist. As the youngest member of the Vipers Swim Team, she’s passionate about swimming — not just because she loves the water, but because the pool at the Mountainview Community Center is her second home. Her parents, hardworking Korean immigrants, run Sushi on the Go!, the center’s sushi café. While Julia would much rather be swimming laps than watching from the counter, her family's story adds a rich cultural layer and reflects the lived reality of many children whose parents run small businesses.
Ahn captures the voice and mindset of a nine-year-old with striking authenticity. Julia is impatient, impulsive, and occasionally stubborn — all traits that make her mistakes understandable and her growth believable. When an ear infection takes her out of the water just before the all-important Personal Best Day, Julia feels like her entire world is crashing. Her desperation to swim again leads to some questionable decisions, but what shines through is her passion and her deep-rooted connection to the people around her.
What truly makes the story special is the depiction of the community center as a warm, bustling place filled with familiar faces who all play a role in Julia’s life. Whether it’s her arrangement with the librarian or her easy rapport with fellow swimmers and staff, the setting fosters a sense of belonging. Readers will enjoy seeing how the community comes together when Julia gets in over her head — a gentle reminder that mistakes don’t define us, but how we respond to them does.
Swimming Into Trouble is a light, accessible read filled with moments of humour, insight, and heart. It captures the scale of problems in a child’s world — where ten days can feel like forever and one missed event can seem like the end — while affirming that with support and honesty, everything can be set right. This is a must-read for young readers, especially those navigating busy family lives, big feelings, and the pressure to perform. A joyful, relatable story about growing up in the middle of a tight-knit community — and learning to tread water when life gets tough.
Julia Nam is a lively, determined, and charmingly imperfect protagonist. As the youngest member of the Vipers Swim Team, she’s passionate about swimming — not just because she loves the water, but because the pool at the Mountainview Community Center is her second home. Her parents, hardworking Korean immigrants, run Sushi on the Go!, the center’s sushi café. While Julia would much rather be swimming laps than watching from the counter, her family's story adds a rich cultural layer and reflects the lived reality of many children whose parents run small businesses.
Ahn captures the voice and mindset of a nine-year-old with striking authenticity. Julia is impatient, impulsive, and occasionally stubborn — all traits that make her mistakes understandable and her growth believable. When an ear infection takes her out of the water just before the all-important Personal Best Day, Julia feels like her entire world is crashing. Her desperation to swim again leads to some questionable decisions, but what shines through is her passion and her deep-rooted connection to the people around her.
What truly makes the story special is the depiction of the community center as a warm, bustling place filled with familiar faces who all play a role in Julia’s life. Whether it’s her arrangement with the librarian or her easy rapport with fellow swimmers and staff, the setting fosters a sense of belonging. Readers will enjoy seeing how the community comes together when Julia gets in over her head — a gentle reminder that mistakes don’t define us, but how we respond to them does.
Swimming Into Trouble is a light, accessible read filled with moments of humour, insight, and heart. It captures the scale of problems in a child’s world — where ten days can feel like forever and one missed event can seem like the end — while affirming that with support and honesty, everything can be set right. This is a must-read for young readers, especially those navigating busy family lives, big feelings, and the pressure to perform. A joyful, relatable story about growing up in the middle of a tight-knit community — and learning to tread water when life gets tough.
November 15, 2024
I'm on the fence about this title. The author's prose is great - exceptionally readable, silly enough for the kiddos, not to wandering. The experiences in the book are some that most, if not all, kids go through and the learning curve the characters go through is more childlike than other novels of the sort. The illustrations are so expressive and funny! AND the Librarian is the best. Love me a good librarian hero.
All that being said I really searched for the plot. Was the ear infection the conflict? It really read like a series of days in the life of Julia. Nothing out of the ordinary, just different, and she learned some things about being a team and patience. But... meh.
Overall, I enjoyed myself, the audiobook is fantastic, but I found myself waiting for something to happen.
All that being said I really searched for the plot. Was the ear infection the conflict? It really read like a series of days in the life of Julia. Nothing out of the ordinary, just different, and she learned some things about being a team and patience. But... meh.
Overall, I enjoyed myself, the audiobook is fantastic, but I found myself waiting for something to happen.
February 4, 2024
Swimming Into Trouble is about a girl who loves swimming (and is on a swim team) but then has to set out for a while due to an ear infection. I think the author did a great job of presenting Julia’s frustration and reactions in a way that felt authentic. I could see one of my children behaving in a similar manner, or at least trying to, if they had to temporarily give up something they loved.
I also loved learning about Julia’s community. I think there was so great set up for future books about Julia and the other characters we met at the community center. My 8 year also enjoyed reading this story on her own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I also loved learning about Julia’s community. I think there was so great set up for future books about Julia and the other characters we met at the community center. My 8 year also enjoyed reading this story on her own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2023
Very simple plot, and easy to read story of a girl who *really* wants to swim, so much so, that when she gets an ear infection, and is told that she can't get her ears wet, until she is well, she tries to glue cups over her ears to keep them dry.
That does not turn out well.
Through it all, it is an age appropriate telling from the child's point of view, of a desire to swim and improve her speed above everything else.
Since it is Book 1, I presume we will have more adventures with Julia, and her very strong will.
Good for kids who are just learning to read longer books, and who love to swim.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
That does not turn out well.
Through it all, it is an age appropriate telling from the child's point of view, of a desire to swim and improve her speed above everything else.
Since it is Book 1, I presume we will have more adventures with Julia, and her very strong will.
Good for kids who are just learning to read longer books, and who love to swim.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 23, 2024
A new chapter book series for emerging readers opens with this story about exuberant and impassioned 9-year-old swimmer Julia. Julia loves spending time at the rec center and is proud to be the youngest member of the Vipers swim team. But one day, when diving into the deep end, Julia feels a sharp pain her ear -- an ear infection that means she can't get in the pool for two weeks. Keeping Julia out of the pool will prove difficult, especially when a chance to compete at regionals is on the line.
This is a super charming series opener, with a lot of character depth and detail for a short book. I'm excited for more to come.
This is a super charming series opener, with a lot of character depth and detail for a short book. I'm excited for more to come.
March 26, 2025
This was a really cute book about a girl who loves to swim, but she gets an ear infection and has to take a break. She's going to miss the day to qualify for regionals so she takes it upon herself to find a solution to the problem. I like that it didn't all work out. I felt like it was realistic to life that you don't always get what you want. I also liked the way we got to see in Julia's head about her feelings on her ear infection. At first she was kind of scared, but then realized it was okay, normal and not a huge deal. I have a daughter who gets a little psyched out when she's sick and it felt relatable. Can't wait to read the next!
August 24, 2023
This truly felt like a book about a kid with her own genuine experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I felt like I got dropped into a real life community centre and library in my area. I loved Julia's life with her family at the sushi place and her passion for swimming, as well as reading. Everyone needs a librarian like Lorna in their life! I can see this being a fun start to a chapter book series for young readers working their way through life just like Julia. Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
4 stars
I read a digital copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Julia is obsessed with swimming! When she isn't at school, or in her family's restaurant Shushi on the Go, she's in the pool at the community center. When she gets an earache and is benched from swimming for TEN! whole days, she tries to come up with a plan to get back into the water in time for PBD (Personal Best Day) which could qualify her for a regional meet. Julia's energy bounces off the pages as readers root for her to get back in the pool!
I read a digital copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Julia is obsessed with swimming! When she isn't at school, or in her family's restaurant Shushi on the Go, she's in the pool at the community center. When she gets an earache and is benched from swimming for TEN! whole days, she tries to come up with a plan to get back into the water in time for PBD (Personal Best Day) which could qualify her for a regional meet. Julia's energy bounces off the pages as readers root for her to get back in the pool!
October 2, 2024
Julia loves swimming and can’t wait to compete in an upcoming tournament. When her mother and coach realize she has an ear infection and keep her from swimming, she hilariously tries to invent a device to cover her ear to keep water out and manages to superglue the device to her skin. A short chapter book about finding your place when you are other – Julia is the youngest on her swim team and Korean-American.
July 22, 2025
Realistic fiction. MC is 9 yo girl who is an avid swimmer. MC is Korean Canadian. When she develops an ear infection, she is unable to participate in the competitive events she had set her heart on.
Adults in this story are all portrayed as caring and wise.
Story takes place in a community center in Vancouver BC.
Good middle grade chapter book that will appeal mainly to girls.
Fountas and Pinnell reading level: P
Adults in this story are all portrayed as caring and wise.
Story takes place in a community center in Vancouver BC.
Good middle grade chapter book that will appeal mainly to girls.
Fountas and Pinnell reading level: P
September 25, 2023
Cute story for younger elementary students. Julia loves swimming, but what will she do when an ear infection keeps her out of the water. The family unit in this one was lovely. They all rang so true. It's worth a purchase for grades 2 to 4.
May 1, 2024
"Delivers a meaningful message about resilience, the value of patience and flexibility, and the benefits of teamwork and community building." [The Horn Book]
July 15, 2024
This new chapter book series is one I'll be following - it's a needed length and maturity for grades 1-4. Add it to your list!
August 5, 2024
Super cute beginning chapter book.
January 15, 2025
This is the story of a strong willed girl. A girl who wants to swim so badly that she tries to ignore doctors orders, and swim despite her ear infection.
January 28, 2025
Such a perfect slice of life book.
June 28, 2025
Solid middle grade book!
May 8, 2024
Julia on the Go! is about how a 9 year old super swimmer deals with an ear infection. It's a very simple and easy read with a relatable story and characters. There are good themes for young middle grade readers here like developing other interests, and showing patience. The story became more interesting for me when Julia made her own ear plug. I thought it was too long though with not much happening, and could have been edited down.
I won this in a LibraryThing giveaway for my LFL (Verobeach Little Free Library).
https://www.instagram.com/books.barga...
I won this in a LibraryThing giveaway for my LFL (Verobeach Little Free Library).
https://www.instagram.com/books.barga...
February 10, 2024
A great book about swimming, perseverance, and teamwork for younger middle grade readers! Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read the digital galley ahead of pub day.
I've been looking for book for younger middle grade readers, and this one certainly hits the spot. Julia is the youngest member of her swim team at the community center, and looking forward to participating in Personal Best Day and maybe qualifying for regionals. Unfortunately, she comes down with an ear infection and has to stay out of the pool for 10 whole days. The adults around her keep telling her to be patient, but Julia can't bear to be away from swimming that long. She comes up with some ideas to get back into the pool, and learns a little bit about patience and teamwork along the way.
Great illustrated chapter book for kids ages 7-10.
I've been looking for book for younger middle grade readers, and this one certainly hits the spot. Julia is the youngest member of her swim team at the community center, and looking forward to participating in Personal Best Day and maybe qualifying for regionals. Unfortunately, she comes down with an ear infection and has to stay out of the pool for 10 whole days. The adults around her keep telling her to be patient, but Julia can't bear to be away from swimming that long. She comes up with some ideas to get back into the pool, and learns a little bit about patience and teamwork along the way.
Great illustrated chapter book for kids ages 7-10.
February 20, 2024
I love novels about swimming and having a passion for a hobby that can become something more, something professional.
A young nine-year-old who loves to swim and dive finds out she has an ear infection that will keep her away from the pool and passion for ten days. Ten days can be crucial when the coach is evaluating their best personal time for the team that will compete. Julia doesn't want to miss this opportunity and decides to find her solution to swim without wetting her ear. The solution is disastrous and could have taken a turn for the worse but I am glad the author wrote the perfect solution and ending.
Two major lessons from this one (there are more but these two are relevant to me) family and community support that will listen and change rules, not accepting defeat, and fighting for a passion.
Thank you netgalley and Publisher for this e-arc.
A young nine-year-old who loves to swim and dive finds out she has an ear infection that will keep her away from the pool and passion for ten days. Ten days can be crucial when the coach is evaluating their best personal time for the team that will compete. Julia doesn't want to miss this opportunity and decides to find her solution to swim without wetting her ear. The solution is disastrous and could have taken a turn for the worse but I am glad the author wrote the perfect solution and ending.
Two major lessons from this one (there are more but these two are relevant to me) family and community support that will listen and change rules, not accepting defeat, and fighting for a passion.
Thank you netgalley and Publisher for this e-arc.
February 4, 2024
Swimming Into Trouble is about a girl who loves swimming (and is on a swim team) but then has to set out for a while due to an ear infection. I think the author did a great job of presenting Julia’s frustration and reactions in a way that felt authentic. I could see one of my children behaving in a similar manner, or at least trying to, if they had to temporarily give up something they loved.
I also loved learning about Julia’s community. I think there was so great set up for future books about Julia and the other characters we met at the community center. My 8 year also enjoyed reading this story on her own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I also loved learning about Julia’s community. I think there was so great set up for future books about Julia and the other characters we met at the community center. My 8 year also enjoyed reading this story on her own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews