What do you think?
Rate this book
Swim Team
Bree can't wait for her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home to the Mighty Manatees--until she's stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. The thought of swimming makes Bree more than a little queasy, yet she's forced to dive headfirst into one of her greatest fears. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help.
With Etta's training and a lot of hard work, Bree suddenly finds her swim-crazed community counting on her to turn the school's failing team around. But that's easier said than done, especially when their rival, the prestigious Holyoke Prep, has everything they need to leave the Mighty Manatees in their wake.
Can Bree defy the odds and guide her team to a state championship, or have the Manatees swum their last lap--for good?
With Etta's training and a lot of hard work, Bree suddenly finds her swim-crazed community counting on her to turn the school's failing team around. But that's easier said than done, especially when their rival, the prestigious Holyoke Prep, has everything they need to leave the Mighty Manatees in their wake.
Can Bree defy the odds and guide her team to a state championship, or have the Manatees swum their last lap--for good?
248 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2022
1117 people are currently reading
7137 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,235 reviews
December 24, 2022
If you haven't read this middle grade graphic novel, you are officially missing out. I'm a firm believer that middle grade graphic novels authors and artists are out here doing some amazing work. Swim Team is no different.
I've been interested in Swim Team since it made it's debut, but it took me forever to get to it. The book focuses on a young girl by the name of Bree who is moving with her dad to a new state. While she's both excited and nervous about attending her new middle school, she becomes even more overwhelmed when she discovers that Swim 101 is the only elective left for her to take. Unable to swim, Bree works with friends and neighbors to overcome her fear of the water and help the middle school swim team become better than they've been in years.
One of my favorite aspects of this graphic novel was the blending of fact and fiction. While it does focus on Bree's fear of the water, it also delves into the reason why so many Black individuals don't know how to swim. It's all linked to segregation and Jim Crow when Black families were not permitted to swim in public pools. This eventually led to a lower likelihood that Black community members would be able to swim. Christmas does the perfect job of utilizing this historical fact to build the background stories of both Bree's father and their neighbor Ms. Etta. There are also themes of friendship, bullying, kindness, familial expectations and more that middle grade readers will be able to connect with. I enjoyed that the friendships weren't perfect and that they had to make conscious efforts to make things work.
Overall, this was a great read. I enjoyed so many different elements including the artwork which was fun and vibrant and engaging. I'm hoping that we get a second book in this series so that we can get more information about the repercussions for the coach at the other school.
I've been interested in Swim Team since it made it's debut, but it took me forever to get to it. The book focuses on a young girl by the name of Bree who is moving with her dad to a new state. While she's both excited and nervous about attending her new middle school, she becomes even more overwhelmed when she discovers that Swim 101 is the only elective left for her to take. Unable to swim, Bree works with friends and neighbors to overcome her fear of the water and help the middle school swim team become better than they've been in years.
One of my favorite aspects of this graphic novel was the blending of fact and fiction. While it does focus on Bree's fear of the water, it also delves into the reason why so many Black individuals don't know how to swim. It's all linked to segregation and Jim Crow when Black families were not permitted to swim in public pools. This eventually led to a lower likelihood that Black community members would be able to swim. Christmas does the perfect job of utilizing this historical fact to build the background stories of both Bree's father and their neighbor Ms. Etta. There are also themes of friendship, bullying, kindness, familial expectations and more that middle grade readers will be able to connect with. I enjoyed that the friendships weren't perfect and that they had to make conscious efforts to make things work.
Overall, this was a great read. I enjoyed so many different elements including the artwork which was fun and vibrant and engaging. I'm hoping that we get a second book in this series so that we can get more information about the repercussions for the coach at the other school.
June 1, 2022
Swim Team is a graphic novel that does a good job bringing up relavent social issue while still keeping a relatable story.There's history behind why Black kids are least likely to swim than their white counterparts and this story takes the mc's fear of water and educates while keeping levity. I thought it had nice illusstrations too!
July 22, 2022
Buddy read with my 10 year old daughter.
I absolutely loved this. I loved most of all the history lesson presented to Bree when she surmised that her inability to swim was somehow equated with her blackness.
I loved the culture presented in the food, I loved the authors conveyance of rolling with the punches and making the most of the hand that was dealt to you.
I liked that when the friendships had fallouts they were solved with personal growth and heartfelt apologies.
The only thing this book was missing was consequences for the coach from Holyoake (?) She was unbearable...maybe a second book?
I absolutely loved this. I loved most of all the history lesson presented to Bree when she surmised that her inability to swim was somehow equated with her blackness.
I loved the culture presented in the food, I loved the authors conveyance of rolling with the punches and making the most of the hand that was dealt to you.
I liked that when the friendships had fallouts they were solved with personal growth and heartfelt apologies.
The only thing this book was missing was consequences for the coach from Holyoake (?) She was unbearable...maybe a second book?
March 11, 2025
Charming middle grade graphic novel about moving to a new place, facing your fears, and making friends (plus a side of African-American history that should be talked about more!) Swim Team follows Bree as she and her dad move to Florida. She hoped to get into a math puzzles elective, but instead ends up stuck in Swimming 101. Bree doesn't know how to swim and is scared to learn, but she faces her fears and ends up joining the swim team and making new friends! She also learns about the history of segregation and swimming pools and why the knowledge of how to swim stopped being passed down in a lot of Black families as a result. Definitely would recommend.
January 2, 2023
3.5⭐️
This book can be viewed in 2 vastly different ways:
1. Forcing a kid to partake in an activity that she fears immensely instead of nurturing/letting her pursue her interests (e.g. Math), such that she skips school and almost drowns
2. An uplifting read about learning to face and fight your fears
Although I pivoted from #1 to #2 eventually and enjoyed the book overall, I truly don't understand why everyone was so adamant about getting Bree to swim. Even the coach was using her grades and extra credit to blackmail her into joining tryouts.
Sure, it's nice to overcome your phobia but forcing someone into it, taking away their freedom and choice, just rubs me the wrong way. Some parts of the story felt too 'easy' and I didn't like how the antagonists were portrayed.
What I liked: Cute artwork, heartwarming themes of family + friendship + community, learning about the segregation of public pools and racism that Black people faced, satisfying arcs even for the supporting adult characters.
Overall, this is a heartwarming graphic novel with an inspiring message a d feel-good vibes. However, the execution sucked and there are better ways to go about it. The book is also overly idealistic and lacks nuance, so it might be more suitable for a younger audience than picky old me.
This book can be viewed in 2 vastly different ways:
1. Forcing a kid to partake in an activity that she fears immensely instead of nurturing/letting her pursue her interests (e.g. Math), such that she skips school and almost drowns
2. An uplifting read about learning to face and fight your fears
Although I pivoted from #1 to #2 eventually and enjoyed the book overall, I truly don't understand why everyone was so adamant about getting Bree to swim. Even the coach was using her grades and extra credit to blackmail her into joining tryouts.
Sure, it's nice to overcome your phobia but forcing someone into it, taking away their freedom and choice, just rubs me the wrong way. Some parts of the story felt too 'easy' and I didn't like how the antagonists were portrayed.
What I liked: Cute artwork, heartwarming themes of family + friendship + community, learning about the segregation of public pools and racism that Black people faced, satisfying arcs even for the supporting adult characters.
Overall, this is a heartwarming graphic novel with an inspiring message a d feel-good vibes. However, the execution sucked and there are better ways to go about it. The book is also overly idealistic and lacks nuance, so it might be more suitable for a younger audience than picky old me.
August 26, 2022
Swim Team is a highly engaging graphic novel about swimming, Black history (and why many Blacks don’t swim), and friendship. The illustrations are well done, including detailed swim coaching scenes. This will also appeal to fans of historical fiction as the book includes a sweet connection to the past in Ms. Etta. Sweet, immersive, and compulsively-readable — fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Varian Johnson’s Twins will love this one.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
June 8, 2022
This is such a powerful coming of age story that explores the meaning of friendship, family struggles, bullying, and the stereotype of Black people not swimming.
There’s an entire section that really dives into the stereotype that Black people can’t swim and it’s unpacked for the reader in a way that I wish someone would’ve told me as a kid. The author goes into the history of Black folks trying to swim in public pools during the Jim Crow era.
I also just loved Bree as a character and watching her navigate her new life and these obstacles that’s she’s never had to face. She meets so many wonderful people in this book and becomes both a skilled and confident swimmer (with training of course!).
This is one of those books that I desperately wished I had as a kid. I loved every second of it.
Thank you to HarperKids for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
There’s an entire section that really dives into the stereotype that Black people can’t swim and it’s unpacked for the reader in a way that I wish someone would’ve told me as a kid. The author goes into the history of Black folks trying to swim in public pools during the Jim Crow era.
I also just loved Bree as a character and watching her navigate her new life and these obstacles that’s she’s never had to face. She meets so many wonderful people in this book and becomes both a skilled and confident swimmer (with training of course!).
This is one of those books that I desperately wished I had as a kid. I loved every second of it.
Thank you to HarperKids for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 31, 2022
A wonderful final book of 2022.
Harper Leadership—negotiate a fair contract with your workers to end the strike so I can talk about this damn book!
Harper Leadership—negotiate a fair contract with your workers to end the strike so I can talk about this damn book!
April 2, 2023
A feel good story about a character of color overcoming fears and winning. Bree becomes a member of her school's swim team. A team that would like to go to state to defeat the neighboring private school. Can she, her teammates and the adults in their lives overcome their fears and insecurities to win?
If you like swimming, graphic novels or friendship stories, give this a try.
If you like swimming, graphic novels or friendship stories, give this a try.
July 17, 2022
3.5. I loved the historical threads in this graphic novel about access to public pools effects on Black communities and how they view swimming. I also really liked anytime the older characters interacted with the younger characters (Bree/her dad, Bree/Etta). I think there were some maybe convenient and unnecessary plot decisions: Bree helping her new school excel even though she just started swimming, the kids "spying" on the other school, the bullies and mean coach from the private school seeming kind of like caricatures). But overall loved how the story progressed and enjoyed the characters.
March 30, 2024
Wow! What a surprise read for me! I was expecting Bree to be an OG swimmer but she starts off not knowing how to swim at all. I loved the Bree's arc and her friendships with those on the team. I especially loved the history of why African Americans don't often swim and the WHY behind that was enlightening for me. It made me reconsider why I haven't learned to swim yet either. Great time and I learned so much!
February 23, 2025
Maybe a 4.5. It is so hard for me to rate graphic novels. Great pictures, great story and kept my interest. Couldn't really find anything wrong. Characters were even good.
June 10, 2022
This graphic novel deserves a place in every elementary and middle school library and youth public collection. A combination of middle school scaries plus overcoming a fear of swimming, it’s a story that many children will be able to relate to. I loved the historical content that lays out why there may be an aversion to water in some Black families and dispels the myth of Black bodies not being able to swim. I’d say 5th / 6th grade is the sweet spot for this one.
April 12, 2022
I really liked this graphic novel. I thought the subject matter of black swimming culture was done really well. I always love learning something new about a culture I don't belong to and this book did that for me. I also really appreciated the focus on teamwork and the different dynamics within sports teams. The illustrations were done really well and overall this one was a winner for me.
January 27, 2025
4.75-5 stars
This book has everything a middle grade graphic novel could want! It has secrets, reveals, betrayals, friendship, life lessons, sports, community, food and history. I greatly enjoyed it! Definitely would recommend.
This book has everything a middle grade graphic novel could want! It has secrets, reveals, betrayals, friendship, life lessons, sports, community, food and history. I greatly enjoyed it! Definitely would recommend.
April 15, 2023
so heartwarming and enlightening to read, i really enjoyed this!!
February 22, 2023
shut the hell up im emotional that was so cute
January 28, 2025
This graphic novel is perfect for all middle grade readers (and teens! and adults!). It's not just about sports, there is history, friendship, family struggles, school challenges and more. Bree is excited to start a new school but is distraught when she gets stuck in swimming 101. She doesn't know how to swim! After faking illness and skipping class, she knows something has to change. When she discovers that her elderly neighbor went to state for swimming, she enlists her help to teach her to swim. Not only does she learn to swim, she excels at it and even joins the swim team with her new best friend. But the rival private school have their number and keep pressuring them. Can they save their pool? Can they remain friends? Can they win? Wholesome and wonderful. Loved it!
Read
July 17, 2023This is a really good middle grade graphic novel and underdog sports story, which has beautiful images that help shape and extend the text. The representation of learning to swim and becoming a team is inspiring, and I love the way sports are portrayed as a way to build confidence and friendships for girls. The story also has important asides about the history of discrimination against Black people having access to public pools. My favorite feature is the author’s illustration of Bree’s intrusive negative thoughts and the way that exercise can be a way to combat them.
December 30, 2024
as a former competitive swimmer and coach this makes me want to get back to coaching again so badly. this was such a beautiful homage to the sport and touched on the history of swimming as a black person in america perfectly.
Read
December 1, 2022On the one hand this is a totally charming story that fills some serious gaps in middle grade sports literature and middle grade graphic novels, plus it gives a nice history lesson on why Black people in America often don't know how to swim.
On the other hand, I have a great many technical bones to pick with this as a competitive swimmer (who tf calls it a "relay medley?" It's a medley relay. And why did he describe it in IM order?) and wish someone involved in the creation of this book had been an actual swimmer so they could have called out the errors--there's a person in the middle of a breaststroke race who is obviously doing a flip turn instead of a touch turn, for another example, and just because it's art doesn't mean you should show people doing hella deep dives that don't make sense for the sport or for the way the pool was shown to be designed. So many things here were technically incorrect.
Would I hesitate to give this to a kid? Absolutely not; the art is nice, the representation is diverse, the characters are lovable, and so on. But as an editor, I have to say this book feels like someone who did, like, a color-by-numbers approach to writing a book, and the editor didn't do their job nurturing or encouraging the narrative to be great instead of just passable. The tone of the book shifts from realistic fiction to that sort of amplified, melodramatic realistic fiction where the antagonists are cartoonish, over-the-top cliches instead of fully realized, complex villains. The pacing and school details are more Hollywood drama middle school than real world middle school (why are all the meets with like five schools instead of just two teams at a time until championships or something? ).
I just think all that is a shame, because it was a compelling concept and characters that didn't need melodrama to have stakes that were worth following, and leaning into melodrama cheapened everything. A potentially knockout, modern classic, literary marvel graphic novel was instead a perfectly fine but not remarkable graphic novel, and I'm sad about it. If I got this from someone in a workshop I'd be impressed because it shows a lot of promise, but it was not ready to be published.
On the other hand, I have a great many technical bones to pick with this as a competitive swimmer (who tf calls it a "relay medley?" It's a medley relay. And why did he describe it in IM order?) and wish someone involved in the creation of this book had been an actual swimmer so they could have called out the errors--there's a person in the middle of a breaststroke race who is obviously doing a flip turn instead of a touch turn, for another example, and just because it's art doesn't mean you should show people doing hella deep dives that don't make sense for the sport or for the way the pool was shown to be designed. So many things here were technically incorrect.
Would I hesitate to give this to a kid? Absolutely not; the art is nice, the representation is diverse, the characters are lovable, and so on. But as an editor, I have to say this book feels like someone who did, like, a color-by-numbers approach to writing a book, and the editor didn't do their job nurturing or encouraging the narrative to be great instead of just passable. The tone of the book shifts from realistic fiction to that sort of amplified, melodramatic realistic fiction where the antagonists are cartoonish, over-the-top cliches instead of fully realized, complex villains. The pacing and school details are more Hollywood drama middle school than real world middle school (why are all the meets with like five schools instead of just two teams at a time until championships or something? ).
I just think all that is a shame, because it was a compelling concept and characters that didn't need melodrama to have stakes that were worth following, and leaning into melodrama cheapened everything. A potentially knockout, modern classic, literary marvel graphic novel was instead a perfectly fine but not remarkable graphic novel, and I'm sad about it. If I got this from someone in a workshop I'd be impressed because it shows a lot of promise, but it was not ready to be published.
May 29, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for the ARC of this!
What a heartwarming and adorable story about persevering and friendship. I absolutely loved the art style and characters. Perfect for middle grade readers!
What a heartwarming and adorable story about persevering and friendship. I absolutely loved the art style and characters. Perfect for middle grade readers!
August 17, 2023
This is a very cute graphic novel that follows Bree as she learns to swim and joins the swim team, and their journey of them making it all the way to state while overcoming challenges.
February 28, 2024
Anything about swim team gets me excited. This book was so beautiful in every way, it had so much heart!
December 10, 2024
Very powerful and poignant, this hit me and brought tears to my eyes by the end. It's wonderfully layered, touching on systemic racism, the perils of friendship, complicated family dynamics, and more all while being uplifting and an empowering story about a girl overtaking her own fears and finding success on her school's swim team.
I can see why this is popular with kids, and it is so deserved.
I can see why this is popular with kids, and it is so deserved.
July 14, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal. One of the best GNs I've read.
December 11, 2023
Highly recommend Swim Team to anyone interested in swimming, history of race in America, middle school drama, relatable graphic novels... Or probably a bunch of other things I'm forgetting. The author does an excellent job of balancing vibrant characters and moments of humor with painful moments in history and rough social dynamics.
March 7, 2025
Nice graphic novel about trying new things and making new friends.
November 26, 2023
This is one of the best graphic novels I've read in a while. Teamwork, history, intergenerational friendships, single parent families and personal growth are all included.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,235 reviews