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Flip Turns
Thirteen-year-old Maddie just wants her classmate, Lucas, to leave her alone. He keeps asking her out—as if she hasn’t already said no a thousand times! Focusing on her competitive swim team, the Electric Eels, Maddie tries to ignore him, hoping he’ll go away.
But then, when someone starts sabotaging Maddie’s family-owned pool—glass on the deck, ketchup in the pool, followed by a “code brown”—Maddie worries it’s her “admirer” trying to get even. After Maddie’s parents rule the problems at the pool just harmless pranks, Maddie and her best friend Ez decide to investigate on their own. Could it be Lucas? And how can Maddie get him to leave her alone once and for all? The future of the Electric Eels and Maddie’s family legacy are on the line.
But then, when someone starts sabotaging Maddie’s family-owned pool—glass on the deck, ketchup in the pool, followed by a “code brown”—Maddie worries it’s her “admirer” trying to get even. After Maddie’s parents rule the problems at the pool just harmless pranks, Maddie and her best friend Ez decide to investigate on their own. Could it be Lucas? And how can Maddie get him to leave her alone once and for all? The future of the Electric Eels and Maddie’s family legacy are on the line.
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2022
7 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Arguelles
2 books33 followersCatherine has worked as a counselor with middle school students, a fundraiser for non-profits, and is the proud parent of two feminist readers and three feline lap warmers. She lives in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 8, 2022
Thank you SO much Jollyfish Press for sending me a copy to read/review. This comes out September 13th. I finished this yesterday in 1 day. Loved this so much, soooo well done. This is so many things in one. Such a wholesome, charming story. Then the mystery throughout we try to figure out along with our MC Maddie, & her best friend Ez(they even joke they are going to “Nancy Drew it” lol). Then these characters who are not only all amazing, but all relatable for kids. Ez has alopecia, which means she has no hair on her head, or eyebrows, etc. She doesn’t wear a wig or anything, she just owns it, & is just the best. It shows what that can be like for her, with people always thinking she’s either gay or has cancer because she is bald(ugh people!). One character shows what parents pushing their own dreams onto their kids can do to them. Also, Maddie has anxiety. It used to be pretty bad & she saw a therapist, but meds have helped tremendously & now she only sees the therapist if needed. Yet, her family still treats her with kid gloves. Not telling her anything, always saying “don’t worry”. Afraid she can’t handle anything. So this makes her want to prove she CAN handle a stressful problem with her anxiety.
Which brings me to the next relatable issue(unfortunately)-sexual harassment. Lucas has been messaging & trying to get Maddie to go out with him for 2 years, but recently he’s gotten worse. This is still a very innocent book, so this harassment isn’t graphic, but it’s no less wrong. Making someone feel that way even if it’s just a hug they don’t want is WRONG. I know boys get harassed too, but I can only speak as a girl. It’s a horrible feeling. The person doing it(& sometimes even others who know)treat you like you’re crazy(“it was nothing” “you’re overreacting”), or you wanted what ever it was to happen. That makes it even worse, & please don’t ever say any of those things to someone. The author nailed it on what many boys like that are like, what they say & do, how they make you feel with the manipulation with words, & the unwanted advances. Plus, it’s like we’re trained somewhere in our lives to automatically feel guilty & think we must have done something wrong, because of what someone DID TO US. Ughhhhhh. The author handled this honestly & appropriately for MG readers I feel, & the way it played out throughout the story was very well done. I was so proud of Maddie at the end of this book for so many reasons, but a certain part at the dance in particular.
There’s even a 1st(I believe it’s her 1st)crush. Still all very innocent. Usually I feel icky as an adult reading any kind of romantic stuff in MG(just because I’m an adult lol), but not this. I was smiling ear to ear. It was just the cutest thing. The way the author did it just made me get those butterfly, cutesy feelings like I did at that age. And at that age, for ME anyway, it was all very innocent. The banter back & forth, holding hands, the looks, talking with your friends about your crush, a kiss or two(pecks really). And that’s all. So cute. Was also so impressed with the writing. Amazing flow to the story, the author wrote such great characters who I loved. They all had the best dialogue. Especially when the main friend group is together-Maddie, Ez, Nico, Aidan, & Owen(Aidan & Owen are a RIOT lol). Then she is able to weave so many things together throughout the book, & have it all come together, & beautifully. I even learned a lot about swimming I didn’t know, & I enjoyed it! This comes out Tuesday, & I highly recommend it. BEAUTIFUL cover by Carl Pearce too.💜
Which brings me to the next relatable issue(unfortunately)-sexual harassment. Lucas has been messaging & trying to get Maddie to go out with him for 2 years, but recently he’s gotten worse. This is still a very innocent book, so this harassment isn’t graphic, but it’s no less wrong. Making someone feel that way even if it’s just a hug they don’t want is WRONG. I know boys get harassed too, but I can only speak as a girl. It’s a horrible feeling. The person doing it(& sometimes even others who know)treat you like you’re crazy(“it was nothing” “you’re overreacting”), or you wanted what ever it was to happen. That makes it even worse, & please don’t ever say any of those things to someone. The author nailed it on what many boys like that are like, what they say & do, how they make you feel with the manipulation with words, & the unwanted advances. Plus, it’s like we’re trained somewhere in our lives to automatically feel guilty & think we must have done something wrong, because of what someone DID TO US. Ughhhhhh. The author handled this honestly & appropriately for MG readers I feel, & the way it played out throughout the story was very well done. I was so proud of Maddie at the end of this book for so many reasons, but a certain part at the dance in particular.
There’s even a 1st(I believe it’s her 1st)crush. Still all very innocent. Usually I feel icky as an adult reading any kind of romantic stuff in MG(just because I’m an adult lol), but not this. I was smiling ear to ear. It was just the cutest thing. The way the author did it just made me get those butterfly, cutesy feelings like I did at that age. And at that age, for ME anyway, it was all very innocent. The banter back & forth, holding hands, the looks, talking with your friends about your crush, a kiss or two(pecks really). And that’s all. So cute. Was also so impressed with the writing. Amazing flow to the story, the author wrote such great characters who I loved. They all had the best dialogue. Especially when the main friend group is together-Maddie, Ez, Nico, Aidan, & Owen(Aidan & Owen are a RIOT lol). Then she is able to weave so many things together throughout the book, & have it all come together, & beautifully. I even learned a lot about swimming I didn’t know, & I enjoyed it! This comes out Tuesday, & I highly recommend it. BEAUTIFUL cover by Carl Pearce too.💜
March 24, 2022
I loved this one! I'm so impressed with Catherine Arguelles' debut! Flip turns is a great upper middle grade read, and deals with some sensitive subjects with grace. The important topic of stalking / unwanted advances is so needed, and I have not found many middle grade reads that deal with this that way. The story is populated with interesting, diverse, and fleshed-out characters. The connections with the MC's family were authentic and relatable. I felt like I was reading a real story about real people, and I think this will be a great addition to any MG library! Looking for more from this author!
October 13, 2022
I loved this book, and not just because it made me nostalgic for swim meets and summers around the pool. The pool atmosphere reeled me in like landlines after practice, but it was the feminist theme, pool-side mystery, loving family dynamics, and close friendships that kept me flipping the pages. This book is beautiful and fun while also sharing an important message. It unapologetically smashes the "boys will be boys" mentality and instead highlights what crushes look like when based in mutual respect. I look forward to sharing this book with my former teammates and I would be proud for my daughter to read it. Thank you for a lovely story, Catherine!
June 10, 2022
Lucas has been crushing on Maddie for a year and a half. How many times must she tell him she’s not interested?
When he surprised her the week before with a heart-shaped snow globe for her 13th birthday, Maddie reluctantly accepted it. Now, on the last day of seventh grade, she returns it and tells him—clearly, again—she doesn’t like him that way, and she wants him to leave her alone.
Lucas doesn’t take it well. But is he mad enough to vandalize the aging community pool Maddie’s parents own? Maddie and her best friend, Ez, are determined to make like real Nancy Drews and find out.
The pool sponsors the Electric Eels coed competitive swim teams and serves as the neighborhood summer hangout. It’s truly a family business. Maddie’s older sister coaches. Her older brother is a lifeguard. Maddie handles the pool’s social media, serves popsicles and nachos at the Snack Shack, and helps out however she can.
Although the vandalism temporarily shuts down the pool, Maddie’s dad brushes it off as pranks. But as it increases, so do Maddie’s worries. Is it sabotage? Will her parents accept a buy-out from a slick fitness club chain? Money is tight, and the pool needs repairs. If it doesn’t pass inspection, it’ll have to close anyway. What will happen to the Eels?
Readers will practically smell the chlorine and taste the hot, salty pretzels at the swim meets, where team camaraderie and behind-the-scenes drama are as compelling as the races. It’s nice to see a character who enjoys her sport and is pretty good but isn’t obsessed. Meanwhile, Ez and Charlotte, the team’s stars, are battling for a swim scholarship.
As Lucas continues to harass Maddie and her suspicions about him grow, she longs for her parents’ help. But if she tells them, they’ll think she’s not handling her anxiety, which has been well-controlled for a while.
Readers will sympathize with Maddie’s frustration with her parents and Lucas, who doesn’t seem to understand the harm he’s causing. There are plenty of good guys here, though. Maddie’s comfortable, realistic friendship with teammates Owen and Aidan and her possible romance with Cute New Guy Nico offer nice contrasts to her dealings with Lucas.
While her 16-year-old brother playfully brags about his popularity with girls at the pool, he watches out for Maddie and offers sound guidance. Maddie’s older sister and her girlfriend also offer support, fashion advice, and an example of a happy, healthy romantic relationship.
These important lessons for middle-grade readers never feel didactic. The characters are realistic, well-rounded and a joy to spend time with. Maddie’s friendship with Ez, who is bald from alopecia, is particularly well-rendered. As the girls work to save the pool and find the vandal, the satisfying ending is both surprising and nuanced.
I received a digital copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I don’t post about books I didn’t finish or enjoy.
When he surprised her the week before with a heart-shaped snow globe for her 13th birthday, Maddie reluctantly accepted it. Now, on the last day of seventh grade, she returns it and tells him—clearly, again—she doesn’t like him that way, and she wants him to leave her alone.
Lucas doesn’t take it well. But is he mad enough to vandalize the aging community pool Maddie’s parents own? Maddie and her best friend, Ez, are determined to make like real Nancy Drews and find out.
The pool sponsors the Electric Eels coed competitive swim teams and serves as the neighborhood summer hangout. It’s truly a family business. Maddie’s older sister coaches. Her older brother is a lifeguard. Maddie handles the pool’s social media, serves popsicles and nachos at the Snack Shack, and helps out however she can.
Although the vandalism temporarily shuts down the pool, Maddie’s dad brushes it off as pranks. But as it increases, so do Maddie’s worries. Is it sabotage? Will her parents accept a buy-out from a slick fitness club chain? Money is tight, and the pool needs repairs. If it doesn’t pass inspection, it’ll have to close anyway. What will happen to the Eels?
Readers will practically smell the chlorine and taste the hot, salty pretzels at the swim meets, where team camaraderie and behind-the-scenes drama are as compelling as the races. It’s nice to see a character who enjoys her sport and is pretty good but isn’t obsessed. Meanwhile, Ez and Charlotte, the team’s stars, are battling for a swim scholarship.
As Lucas continues to harass Maddie and her suspicions about him grow, she longs for her parents’ help. But if she tells them, they’ll think she’s not handling her anxiety, which has been well-controlled for a while.
Readers will sympathize with Maddie’s frustration with her parents and Lucas, who doesn’t seem to understand the harm he’s causing. There are plenty of good guys here, though. Maddie’s comfortable, realistic friendship with teammates Owen and Aidan and her possible romance with Cute New Guy Nico offer nice contrasts to her dealings with Lucas.
While her 16-year-old brother playfully brags about his popularity with girls at the pool, he watches out for Maddie and offers sound guidance. Maddie’s older sister and her girlfriend also offer support, fashion advice, and an example of a happy, healthy romantic relationship.
These important lessons for middle-grade readers never feel didactic. The characters are realistic, well-rounded and a joy to spend time with. Maddie’s friendship with Ez, who is bald from alopecia, is particularly well-rendered. As the girls work to save the pool and find the vandal, the satisfying ending is both surprising and nuanced.
I received a digital copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I don’t post about books I didn’t finish or enjoy.
September 16, 2022
This middle grade novel covered important issues like harassment from boys and pressure from parents in an accessible and entertaining way. You will be rooting for Maddie as she tries to uncover the mystery!
May 5, 2022
If you read and enjoyed Barbara Dee's MAYBE HE JUST LIKES YOU, pick this one up. An important book that needs to be on your TBR as well as shared with young readers. I was completely engrossed.
September 8, 2022
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley for review.
4.25 stars
CWs: stalking (talked about), harassment, anxiety, minor injury detail due to gas leak
This was so much better than I expected! To be fair, I went in not sure what I would be getting with this contemporary middle grade. But it was really good! I picked it up thinking I’d just start it, and less than 2 hours later I was finished reading. It was a really quick read, and Maddie’s voice is super relatable and easy to follow along with. The writing style flows well, and I got caught up in the drama of the story.
Maddie was a really excellent main character. She struggles with anxiety, and because of that her family is always trying to shelter her and not cause her to worry. This makes Maddie annoyed and often leaves her worrying even more. I really liked that the author didn’t shy away from portraying Maddie’s anxiety, and I also really liked that Maddie was managing it and had tools in place to cope with it already. Her anxiety was a major part of her character, but it didn’t turn into her whole character.
I liked the friendships that were depicted in the story. Maddie and Ez were a great friendship pair, and Aidan and Owen were really great side characters. They had me laughing a lot, and I liked seeing how supportive the characters were of each other. Ez was there for Maddie as they tried to figure out who was vandalizing the pool, and also while Maddie was dealing with Lucas.
The Lucas plot line was actually a little bit scary. Right from the beginning, Maddie has told Lucas that she’s not romantically interested in him and then talks about how she’s afraid of what he might do once he’s been rejected. Maddie and Ez discuss how Lucas’s creepy attention feels like stalking at times, and Maddie’s parents even tell her that she’s been sexually harassed once they learn about it. There was a scene where Lucas didn’t take no for an answer, and I appreciated how the author had Maddie handle the situation. She was strong and capable of shutting it down herself, but right after she had her brother and sister there to support her. I thought the whole plot line was handled really well.
This whole book was handled really well. It was interesting, exciting, dramatic, a bit creepy at times, and filled with support from friends and family. The characters really made the story better, and I think this will be a big hit for middle grade readers.
4.25 stars
CWs: stalking (talked about), harassment, anxiety, minor injury detail due to gas leak
This was so much better than I expected! To be fair, I went in not sure what I would be getting with this contemporary middle grade. But it was really good! I picked it up thinking I’d just start it, and less than 2 hours later I was finished reading. It was a really quick read, and Maddie’s voice is super relatable and easy to follow along with. The writing style flows well, and I got caught up in the drama of the story.
Maddie was a really excellent main character. She struggles with anxiety, and because of that her family is always trying to shelter her and not cause her to worry. This makes Maddie annoyed and often leaves her worrying even more. I really liked that the author didn’t shy away from portraying Maddie’s anxiety, and I also really liked that Maddie was managing it and had tools in place to cope with it already. Her anxiety was a major part of her character, but it didn’t turn into her whole character.
I liked the friendships that were depicted in the story. Maddie and Ez were a great friendship pair, and Aidan and Owen were really great side characters. They had me laughing a lot, and I liked seeing how supportive the characters were of each other. Ez was there for Maddie as they tried to figure out who was vandalizing the pool, and also while Maddie was dealing with Lucas.
The Lucas plot line was actually a little bit scary. Right from the beginning, Maddie has told Lucas that she’s not romantically interested in him and then talks about how she’s afraid of what he might do once he’s been rejected. Maddie and Ez discuss how Lucas’s creepy attention feels like stalking at times, and Maddie’s parents even tell her that she’s been sexually harassed once they learn about it. There was a scene where Lucas didn’t take no for an answer, and I appreciated how the author had Maddie handle the situation. She was strong and capable of shutting it down herself, but right after she had her brother and sister there to support her. I thought the whole plot line was handled really well.
This whole book was handled really well. It was interesting, exciting, dramatic, a bit creepy at times, and filled with support from friends and family. The characters really made the story better, and I think this will be a big hit for middle grade readers.
June 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 for this lightly mysterious story. Maddie’s family owns a pool, and it is her world. All of her friends are on her swim team, which is based there, and she is ready to make this summer the best one yet. The only problem is that fellow swimmer Lucas, who has been hounding her to go out with him, awkwardly gives her a gift near the last day of school. She gives it back, he breaks it, and then things start happening at the pool. Vandalism turns dangerous, and her family is struggling to keep the pool open. Maddie is sure Lucas is behind it, but she has to prove it before her parents decide to sell the pool. Hand to readers in grades 5-7. L
August 15, 2022
Catherine Arguelles' Flip Turns had me immersed in this upper middle grade mystery from the start. Maddie's struggle to stand up to Lucas's unwanted advances felt real and full of important, relatable lessons. Set against a summer of swim team practices, budding romance, strong-and-sometimes challenging friendships and family moments, I really loved how Arguelles' takes readers into the pool with Maddie and her teammates. The underlying mystery has twists and turns to keep readers engaged and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Sure to be a hit with readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
September 20, 2022
Fast-paced, wonderful story! Great friendship and kids who are dealing with personal challenges, including harassment. Arguelles is incredibly deft at handling the way this is portrayed. The story has wonderful relationships, excellent characters, great dialogue, and a fantastically crafted story. I adored every bit of it.
August 13, 2022
2..75 stars.
Sometimes it was trying too hard to be interesting and in the times here. But it felt somewhat cringy because of it. I did not understand why they had to add Nico as a love-interest.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
Sometimes it was trying too hard to be interesting and in the times here. But it felt somewhat cringy because of it. I did not understand why they had to add Nico as a love-interest.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
July 24, 2024
As a swimmer, I really enjoyed this book! It was so fun to read and all the characters were funny and relatable. I got so into it and even I was mad at Maddie’s parents and siblings. I would definitely recommend this book! 📖🩷🏊🏼♀️
December 14, 2022
catherine arguelles could do hamlet but shakespeare couldn’t write flip turns
September 14, 2022
I'll be reviewing this on bookstagram (@gsreadingspree) on 9/12!
August 9, 2022
Maddie is dealing with unwanted attention from Lucas, and although she’s let him know she’s not interested, he persists in giving her gifts and putting her down when she doesn’t respond. Thankfully, Maddie’s good friend Ez helps Maddie stay clear on the fact that she’s not obligated to do anything for Lucas just because he likes her. Together the two friends try to solve the mystery of who is sabotaging Maddie’s family’s business, the local swimming pool where both girls participate in swim team. Could it be Lucas? The mystery keeps the plot moving along, but there are many things to love about Flip Turns: Maddie’s family is refreshingly close-knit, with her two teen siblings both involved in the pool too, and her parents working cooperatively to keep the business going. I also like that Maddie accepts her anxiety as part of herself and knows that she can handle it using the tools she’s learned from therapy; the issue she really has to contend with is her frustration with her family’s overprotectiveness. There’s also a really sweet first crush! I will definitely recommend this to readers who like contemporary mysteries, but I will also hand it to kids who are interested in navigating crushes and family problems--and swimming, of course!
November 20, 2022
Thank you so much Netgalley, @tbrbeyondtours and @arguellescath for the gorgeous review copy❤️
Picked up for the cover, stayed for the story! I loved Maddie, her struggles with anxiety disorder and how she tries to hide the issues regarding Lucas from her family to not make them worry. It's so realistic because most of our go-to reaction is to try and solve the problem ourselves without involving our family members due to a variety of reasons. Maddie's family can be overprotective sometimes and though they want the best for her, them trying to shield her all of the time often add to her anxiety and make her upset. The starting is gripping and it sucked me right in. The portrayal of stalking and its consequences was great. Recommended!
Picked up for the cover, stayed for the story! I loved Maddie, her struggles with anxiety disorder and how she tries to hide the issues regarding Lucas from her family to not make them worry. It's so realistic because most of our go-to reaction is to try and solve the problem ourselves without involving our family members due to a variety of reasons. Maddie's family can be overprotective sometimes and though they want the best for her, them trying to shield her all of the time often add to her anxiety and make her upset. The starting is gripping and it sucked me right in. The portrayal of stalking and its consequences was great. Recommended!
December 21, 2022
Such an interesting and intriguing novel, loved the buildup!
It was so captivating from the beginning and the mystery was quite captivating if not enigmatic.
This story follows a young teen Maddie who suffers from anxiety pursuing a quest to figure out who was vandalizing her family pool and save the pool from shutting down, followed around and being pestered by a crazy teenage boy at the same time.
Quite a fun, short read! Definitely recommend it!
4.5/5 stars
Thank you publisher and Netgalley for a copy.
It was so captivating from the beginning and the mystery was quite captivating if not enigmatic.
This story follows a young teen Maddie who suffers from anxiety pursuing a quest to figure out who was vandalizing her family pool and save the pool from shutting down, followed around and being pestered by a crazy teenage boy at the same time.
Quite a fun, short read! Definitely recommend it!
4.5/5 stars
Thank you publisher and Netgalley for a copy.
September 15, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Flip Turns
Author: Catherine Arguelles
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: MC with Anxiety Disorder, Sapphic couple characters, Mixed Latino character, Character with Alopecia
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, mystery, romance, relationship violence/stalking
Publication Date: September 13, 2022
Genre: MG Mystery
Age Relevance: 11+ (relationship violence, sexual harassment, gore, stalking, vandalizing, romance, cancer)
Explanation of Above: The book focuses on a failed relationship between a boy and the MC, in which she sees the signs of relationship abuse and stalking. There is also one scene where there is some very slight sexual harassment. There is some gore mentioned, like poop and blood and surgery. It’s very slight. There is some property destruction shown in the book. There is some small romance. Cancer is briefly mentioned.
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
Pages: 272
Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Maddie just wants her classmate, Lucas, to leave her alone. He keeps asking her out—as if she hasn’t already said no a thousand times! Focusing on her competitive swim team, the Electric Eels, Maddie tries to ignore him, hoping he’ll go away.
But then, when someone starts sabotaging Maddie’s family-owned pool—glass on the deck, ketchup in the pool, followed by a “code brown”—Maddie worries it’s her “admirer” trying to get even. After Maddie’s parents rule the problems at the pool just harmless pranks, Maddie and her best friend Ez decide to investigate on their own. Could it be Lucas? And how can Maddie get him to leave her alone once and for all? The future of the Electric Eels and Maddie’s family legacy are on the line.
Review: I didn’t expect the book to be what it was, but I’m very impressed by it! I loved the story and I felt like it did so well to explain the signs of relationship violence and stalking to younger children. It’s a horribly unfortunate thing that happens, but the sooner your young children who are dating/starting to see their friends going out know what signs to look out for, the better prepared your young one will be if that situation comes up with themselves or their friends. It can be very slight and look a lot like children picking on each other, but things like this should not be ignored for numerous reasons and victims should always be heard and believed. The book is so impressive that I’m going to get a copy for when my friends young child becomes of that age range, because I’d rather her be educated and weary than hurt and afraid. The book also did well to be a well crafted mystery. The character development was well done and the world building was stupendous.
The only issue I had with the book is that I felt like the perpetrator of the relationship issues should have been told as going into therapy or some other consequence, but it was resolved and the most important part of the book (the education) was solid.
Verdict: I absolutely love this one! Highly recommend!
Book: Flip Turns
Author: Catherine Arguelles
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: MC with Anxiety Disorder, Sapphic couple characters, Mixed Latino character, Character with Alopecia
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, mystery, romance, relationship violence/stalking
Publication Date: September 13, 2022
Genre: MG Mystery
Age Relevance: 11+ (relationship violence, sexual harassment, gore, stalking, vandalizing, romance, cancer)
Explanation of Above: The book focuses on a failed relationship between a boy and the MC, in which she sees the signs of relationship abuse and stalking. There is also one scene where there is some very slight sexual harassment. There is some gore mentioned, like poop and blood and surgery. It’s very slight. There is some property destruction shown in the book. There is some small romance. Cancer is briefly mentioned.
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
Pages: 272
Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Maddie just wants her classmate, Lucas, to leave her alone. He keeps asking her out—as if she hasn’t already said no a thousand times! Focusing on her competitive swim team, the Electric Eels, Maddie tries to ignore him, hoping he’ll go away.
But then, when someone starts sabotaging Maddie’s family-owned pool—glass on the deck, ketchup in the pool, followed by a “code brown”—Maddie worries it’s her “admirer” trying to get even. After Maddie’s parents rule the problems at the pool just harmless pranks, Maddie and her best friend Ez decide to investigate on their own. Could it be Lucas? And how can Maddie get him to leave her alone once and for all? The future of the Electric Eels and Maddie’s family legacy are on the line.
Review: I didn’t expect the book to be what it was, but I’m very impressed by it! I loved the story and I felt like it did so well to explain the signs of relationship violence and stalking to younger children. It’s a horribly unfortunate thing that happens, but the sooner your young children who are dating/starting to see their friends going out know what signs to look out for, the better prepared your young one will be if that situation comes up with themselves or their friends. It can be very slight and look a lot like children picking on each other, but things like this should not be ignored for numerous reasons and victims should always be heard and believed. The book is so impressive that I’m going to get a copy for when my friends young child becomes of that age range, because I’d rather her be educated and weary than hurt and afraid. The book also did well to be a well crafted mystery. The character development was well done and the world building was stupendous.
The only issue I had with the book is that I felt like the perpetrator of the relationship issues should have been told as going into therapy or some other consequence, but it was resolved and the most important part of the book (the education) was solid.
Verdict: I absolutely love this one! Highly recommend!
July 18, 2022
Thank you so much to Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley for the earc to read and review.
Maddie is a competitive swimmer on her families team The Eeels. A boy named a Lucas won’t get the message she isn’t interested in him, he gave her a snow globe and smashed it in his anger and still won’t leave her alone. Now her parents pool is being vandalised and Maddie is certain that it’s him doing it. With her anxiety to deal with she only shares everything with her best friend Ez, together hoping to get evidence to solve who is doing it.
I really loved the swim team scenes, the kids were all such perfect friends and had such a wonderful relationship with each other. They’d all known each other for so long that everything they did was done with their tight close connection. I also loved Nico and Maddie, they were seriously the cutest pairing.
I loved how inclusive this book was and how it was all written naturally, with two lesbian relationships, mental health/ anxiety issues and alopecia. It was so great that this book had a good focus on these topics but that they were all just a part of who they were and that there was more to them than just these things. Natural inclusivity is a wonderful thing.
I got so uncomfortable reading anything with Lucas my gosh he gave such awful stalker, obsessed creeper vibes the whole time and I felt so bad for Maddie that she was dealing with this all on her own. He was seriously awful and terrifying, wouldn’t ever leave her alone and just wouldn’t listen.
I loved the mystery of the whole who is actually destroying and sabotaging the property and the pool and the team. I unfortunately figured out the culprit pretty early on but I’m sure to others reading it would be a total shocker. It was still so fun getting all the answers and following along with the mystery of it all.
This book was a really great book to read, it had great friendship, cute romances, a fun mystery, a team that loved what they were doing and a cause they all wanted to fight for and a really perfect ending to the whole thing.
Maddie is a competitive swimmer on her families team The Eeels. A boy named a Lucas won’t get the message she isn’t interested in him, he gave her a snow globe and smashed it in his anger and still won’t leave her alone. Now her parents pool is being vandalised and Maddie is certain that it’s him doing it. With her anxiety to deal with she only shares everything with her best friend Ez, together hoping to get evidence to solve who is doing it.
I really loved the swim team scenes, the kids were all such perfect friends and had such a wonderful relationship with each other. They’d all known each other for so long that everything they did was done with their tight close connection. I also loved Nico and Maddie, they were seriously the cutest pairing.
I loved how inclusive this book was and how it was all written naturally, with two lesbian relationships, mental health/ anxiety issues and alopecia. It was so great that this book had a good focus on these topics but that they were all just a part of who they were and that there was more to them than just these things. Natural inclusivity is a wonderful thing.
I got so uncomfortable reading anything with Lucas my gosh he gave such awful stalker, obsessed creeper vibes the whole time and I felt so bad for Maddie that she was dealing with this all on her own. He was seriously awful and terrifying, wouldn’t ever leave her alone and just wouldn’t listen.
I loved the mystery of the whole who is actually destroying and sabotaging the property and the pool and the team. I unfortunately figured out the culprit pretty early on but I’m sure to others reading it would be a total shocker. It was still so fun getting all the answers and following along with the mystery of it all.
This book was a really great book to read, it had great friendship, cute romances, a fun mystery, a team that loved what they were doing and a cause they all wanted to fight for and a really perfect ending to the whole thing.
March 5, 2023
What an engaging read and well-crafted story! This was a fun book from beginning to end with an intriguing mystery and a little middle grade romance. But this book also handles some sensitive topics for middle grade kids like anxiety, parental pressure, alopecia, and boy harassment.
Maddie, 13, is a well-rounded character who is invested in uncovering the pranks at her parent's pool because they are impacting the business and may be linked to her turning down a boy who likes her. Her motivation to uncover the prankster really made sense, especially when she is afraid that she might be responsible.
This book is very accessible to middle grade readers. It has a good pace and voice, and it's an interesting look at competitive swim team life. I like how Arguelles smoothly incorporates the swim team vocabulary into the story. How she gives a feel for the commitment these kids must have to succeed. But there's a fun side to it all - hanging out at the pool with friends. The dynamic between Maddie and her best friend, Ez, is relatable and natural, and I enjoyed seeing how they dealt with tough topics like anxiety and alopecia.
Arguelles brings up an important issue with boy harassment and how difficult it can be to navigate. How do you deal with someone who is manipulating you? Adults have difficulty with this, and I like how Arguelles shows us that even middle graders are not exempt from these struggles. I think it was beautifully handled throughout the book.
This is a fun read with summer vibes and heart! I'm excited to see what Arguelles comes out with next!
Maddie, 13, is a well-rounded character who is invested in uncovering the pranks at her parent's pool because they are impacting the business and may be linked to her turning down a boy who likes her. Her motivation to uncover the prankster really made sense, especially when she is afraid that she might be responsible.
This book is very accessible to middle grade readers. It has a good pace and voice, and it's an interesting look at competitive swim team life. I like how Arguelles smoothly incorporates the swim team vocabulary into the story. How she gives a feel for the commitment these kids must have to succeed. But there's a fun side to it all - hanging out at the pool with friends. The dynamic between Maddie and her best friend, Ez, is relatable and natural, and I enjoyed seeing how they dealt with tough topics like anxiety and alopecia.
Arguelles brings up an important issue with boy harassment and how difficult it can be to navigate. How do you deal with someone who is manipulating you? Adults have difficulty with this, and I like how Arguelles shows us that even middle graders are not exempt from these struggles. I think it was beautifully handled throughout the book.
This is a fun read with summer vibes and heart! I'm excited to see what Arguelles comes out with next!
September 20, 2022
Flip Turns is a middle grade mystery that follows a 13-year-old girl named Maddie as she tries to figure out who has been vandalizing the pool at the community center her family owns and runs.
I will say that as a mystery novel, the culprit was obvious from the very beginning of the novel. I kept hoping that it wasn’t going to be what I predicted, but, alas, it was. It should be noted, however, that I am a fully grown adult and this is a book for middle grade readers. I would be interested to see what middle grade readers thought about the big revelation at the end, because I think the author didn’t give them enough credit in terms of deductive reasoning with this one.
That being said, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit. There is a good amount of representation for things like anxiety disorders, alopecia, and queer relationships. On top of that, the portrayal of healthy family dynamics was *cherry kiss*. Even though the main family experiences adversity at several times throughout the novel, they never failed to stand up for each other and have each other’s backs when necessary. In particular, I thought Maddie’s relationship with her brother Jack was one of the best sibling relationships I’ve ever read.
As expected of middle grade novels, there are important themes and messages for the audience to take away at the end of the novel. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and open communication when it comes to solving problems and handling difficult situations. A good portion of the book has to deal with Maddie experiencing unwanted romantic advances and manipulation from a boy named Lucas and I thought Catherine Arguelles handled that aspect of the plot beautifully.
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Crossposted on my blog.
For a list of warnings, tropes, and representation for this book, check out its page on BookTriggerWarnings.com.
Thank you TBR Beyond Tours and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.
I will say that as a mystery novel, the culprit was obvious from the very beginning of the novel. I kept hoping that it wasn’t going to be what I predicted, but, alas, it was. It should be noted, however, that I am a fully grown adult and this is a book for middle grade readers. I would be interested to see what middle grade readers thought about the big revelation at the end, because I think the author didn’t give them enough credit in terms of deductive reasoning with this one.
That being said, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit. There is a good amount of representation for things like anxiety disorders, alopecia, and queer relationships. On top of that, the portrayal of healthy family dynamics was *cherry kiss*. Even though the main family experiences adversity at several times throughout the novel, they never failed to stand up for each other and have each other’s backs when necessary. In particular, I thought Maddie’s relationship with her brother Jack was one of the best sibling relationships I’ve ever read.
As expected of middle grade novels, there are important themes and messages for the audience to take away at the end of the novel. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and open communication when it comes to solving problems and handling difficult situations. A good portion of the book has to deal with Maddie experiencing unwanted romantic advances and manipulation from a boy named Lucas and I thought Catherine Arguelles handled that aspect of the plot beautifully.
~~~~~~~
Crossposted on my blog.
For a list of warnings, tropes, and representation for this book, check out its page on BookTriggerWarnings.com.
Thank you TBR Beyond Tours and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
I recieved an ARC so I could review this book :). Thank you for the opportunity. Please keep in mind that the final edition may not match the one this review is based on,
Maddie's family owns a community swim club. In many ways, it's great. She gets to spend the summer with her friends and swim team. However, when the pool starts getting vandalized, Maddie suspects a boy from her class who has had a hard time accepting that she doesn't want to be his girlfriend, and, worse, the costs of fixing the vandalism and of the shutdowns may force her family to sell the pool-which likelt means no swim team, either.
Maddie is a relatable character and so are her friends. Her concerns about Lucas are founded in fact, but are also age appropriate. I loved that Ez's alopecia is part of her character, but not the whole character, and that Maddie's anxiety disorder is approached realistically. I believe this will be a welcome addition to library shelves for middle grade/early teen readers, and is a book that can be used to discuss issues such as sexual Harrassment, anxiety, and parental expectations.
Maddie's family owns a community swim club. In many ways, it's great. She gets to spend the summer with her friends and swim team. However, when the pool starts getting vandalized, Maddie suspects a boy from her class who has had a hard time accepting that she doesn't want to be his girlfriend, and, worse, the costs of fixing the vandalism and of the shutdowns may force her family to sell the pool-which likelt means no swim team, either.
Maddie is a relatable character and so are her friends. Her concerns about Lucas are founded in fact, but are also age appropriate. I loved that Ez's alopecia is part of her character, but not the whole character, and that Maddie's anxiety disorder is approached realistically. I believe this will be a welcome addition to library shelves for middle grade/early teen readers, and is a book that can be used to discuss issues such as sexual Harrassment, anxiety, and parental expectations.
August 23, 2022
Thank you to #NetGalley, Catherine Arguelles, and the publisher for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maddie just wants classmate Lucas to leave her alone instead of ignoring her no when he asks her out. Suddenly, someone starts vandalizing her family's pool which makes it have to constantly close and costs her parents lots of money. More than they are able to afford. Are they truly just pranks or is the vandalizing meant to hurt Maddie and her family? Is the person vandalizing her family's pool Lucas or is it someone that would totally shock her? The fate of Maddie's family's pool and their swim team is on the line. Will Maddie be able to figure out what happened.
One of the reasons I liked this book and will recommend it to others is for the fact that Lucas will not leave Maddie alone. I hope it will team young girls to speak up when boys will not leave them alone. I hope this will also teach girls that it's okay to say no to boys and this type of behavior is not normal.
Maddie just wants classmate Lucas to leave her alone instead of ignoring her no when he asks her out. Suddenly, someone starts vandalizing her family's pool which makes it have to constantly close and costs her parents lots of money. More than they are able to afford. Are they truly just pranks or is the vandalizing meant to hurt Maddie and her family? Is the person vandalizing her family's pool Lucas or is it someone that would totally shock her? The fate of Maddie's family's pool and their swim team is on the line. Will Maddie be able to figure out what happened.
One of the reasons I liked this book and will recommend it to others is for the fact that Lucas will not leave Maddie alone. I hope it will team young girls to speak up when boys will not leave them alone. I hope this will also teach girls that it's okay to say no to boys and this type of behavior is not normal.
August 21, 2022
Deftly tackles tough topics in a way that works for its tween audience, while also keeping a great handle on characters and relationships. I especially appreciated way the story showed both what to do if you're the subject of harassment, and how to stand up for someone going through that and model positive behavior for others. Some of the opening did seem a little exposition-heavy (it almost seemed as if there was a previous book the focused on Maddie's struggles with anxiety), I thought the Charlotte/burnout storyline needed a bit more devoted to it throughout for it to land, and I wish the ending had put a finer point on the resolution of the sexual harassment plotline considering that there are girls in the world other than Maddie and I don't know that one talking-to about how to behave with people you like has solved the issue. Offer to fans of Front Desk or Starfish.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
May 29, 2024
I loved this book! It's a great mystery that takes place mostly in a poolside setting, so vividly written that you can practically smell the chlorine as you read. Maddie is a believable and relatable character, and I felt for her in her struggles to deal with the boy that won't take no for an answer, the possible loss of her family's business, and trying to prove to her family that she can manage her anxiety, all in addition to navigating friendships and first crushes.
This book is a fun read, but it's also an important one. It's shines a light on toxic harrassing behavior, while highlighting what healthy relationships and positive boy/girl friendships look like. I was so proud of Maddie when she stopped blaming herself for Lucas's unwanted advances and manipulation and stood up for herself. There are so many middle schoolers I would love share this with.
I adore Maddie's friend group. They were authentic, funny, and sweet, and I would be in their Friend Zone anyday!
This book is a fun read, but it's also an important one. It's shines a light on toxic harrassing behavior, while highlighting what healthy relationships and positive boy/girl friendships look like. I was so proud of Maddie when she stopped blaming herself for Lucas's unwanted advances and manipulation and stood up for herself. There are so many middle schoolers I would love share this with.
I adore Maddie's friend group. They were authentic, funny, and sweet, and I would be in their Friend Zone anyday!
March 20, 2025
Dive into Flip Turns for an exciting middle grade novel with elements of mystery and authentic anxiety representation! Thirteen-year-old Maddie's family runs a community pool that's the home base of the Electric Eels, a competitive swim team for kids and teens. When Maddie turns down the advances of a boy named Lucas, unfortunate events start to go down at the family pool. Maddie teams up with her best friend, Ez, to figure out who's vandalizing the pool before her family's finances completely sink. I love the anxiety representation in the book and I think kids will easily see themselves in the characters. I also think Flip Turns widely appeals to young athletes, touching on important themes of teamwork and passion over competition. Much applause, too, for how Arguelles handled the idea of mutual consent in relationships, something I think all young girls need to read about and take to heart. Flip Turns really made a splash for me and I'm soooooo glad I picked up this book!
October 3, 2022
This is an excellent upper middle grade novel that is sure to be a real page turner as readers try to figure out who is behind all of the vandalism happening at the pool. The main character, Maddie, is so relatable as she struggles with anxiety, changing friendships, and unwanted advances from a boy. The topic of consent is handled so well and is likely to spark important conversations. The dialogue and relationships are well-drawn, and the mystery has an unexpected twist. I found myself rooting for Maddie from the very beginning, and I also really cared about her family and friends. Kids are sure to love it, too! I'd highly recommend this book for schools, libraries, and home collections. It would be an outstanding choice for reading circles, as it so engaging but also delves into important and timely topics. Five stars for FLIP TURNS.
November 6, 2022
As a swimmer, I was curious how this would be presented in FLIP TURNS, and it didn’t disappoint! Yes, the book covers the trials and tribulations of being on a swim team, but luckily it’s the backdrop. Instead of long scenes about swimming, the plot instead focuses on an anxious eighth grader named Maddie who’s embroiled in a mystery about who’s sabotaging her family’s community pool. If the suspect is the boy who likes her, he’s creating havoc with her family’s business as well as with her swim team who depends on the pool for practices. I like that the book covers early dating and what’s appropriate in boy-girl relationships.
Debut author Arguelles has crafted a believable middle-grade book involving early teen angst, camaraderie among swim team members, and the ups and downs of a small family business all couched in a mystery. Highly recommended!
Debut author Arguelles has crafted a believable middle-grade book involving early teen angst, camaraderie among swim team members, and the ups and downs of a small family business all couched in a mystery. Highly recommended!
September 25, 2022
Flip Turns is a creatively crafted tale that has enough intrigue to keep the reader interested from start to finish.
I enjoy reading YA and MG books, and as a retired teacher I especially enjoy books that have things young readers can connect to. Anxiety issues and alopecia, for example. When these issues are presented in this manner it can make the reader feel comfortable, knowing that others suffer from the same things they do. I could very much relate to Maddie and her anxiety. I suffer from anxiety myself, and as an adolescent I didn't know how to properly express my feelings to anyone. If I had read this book back then it would have been eye-opening!
The story itself was very realistic, and kept me guessing. The characters were very engaging.
Highly recommended.
I enjoy reading YA and MG books, and as a retired teacher I especially enjoy books that have things young readers can connect to. Anxiety issues and alopecia, for example. When these issues are presented in this manner it can make the reader feel comfortable, knowing that others suffer from the same things they do. I could very much relate to Maddie and her anxiety. I suffer from anxiety myself, and as an adolescent I didn't know how to properly express my feelings to anyone. If I had read this book back then it would have been eye-opening!
The story itself was very realistic, and kept me guessing. The characters were very engaging.
Highly recommended.
October 3, 2022
This is a middle grade sports story about first crushes and friendships.
But, no, it's got a deeper darker story...
Anxiety, stalker behavior and sexual harrassment, racism, vandalism, social media, coming of age, and a community in need of some healing.
Picture this. Glass at the pool. Listen, there's a reason for the 'No glass containers' rule at your local pool. And it's not because they're being mean. It's catastrophic to bare feet.
And that's where this book opens.
It's a reality check. As in, check your privilege. Definitely a read for every kid (and grown ups could use it too.)
"It's useless to argue with my family when they're trying to protect me. But I am not about to let this go."
But, no, it's got a deeper darker story...
Anxiety, stalker behavior and sexual harrassment, racism, vandalism, social media, coming of age, and a community in need of some healing.
Picture this. Glass at the pool. Listen, there's a reason for the 'No glass containers' rule at your local pool. And it's not because they're being mean. It's catastrophic to bare feet.
And that's where this book opens.
It's a reality check. As in, check your privilege. Definitely a read for every kid (and grown ups could use it too.)
"It's useless to argue with my family when they're trying to protect me. But I am not about to let this go."
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