“Combines wonderful characters and history to create a story that will make you want to dive right in!” JERRY CRAFT, author of the Newbery Medal–winning New Kid A splashy, contemporary middle grade graphic novel from bestselling comics creator Johnnie Christmas! 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? Praise for SWIM TEAM: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor National Book Award Longlist Kirkus Best Book of the Year Harvey Award Best Children’s or Young Adult Book Nominee Children's Book Council's Summer 2025 Showcase: An Ocean of Stories Pick “ A revelation ! You’ll root for Swim Team —the water is just right.” —JOHN JENNINGS, New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award–winning creator “ Swim Team is a beautiful story about trying new things. Johnnie Christmas is a fantastic storyteller and artist.” —KAZU KIBUISHI, author of Amulet “Full of charm, heart, and pulse-pounding races. A winner !” —GENE LUEN YANG, author of American Born Chinese and Dragon Hoops Gr 3–6—When Bree's father takes a coding job in Florida, the two move cross-country and Bree's world is turned upside-down. Away from her friends, in a town obsessed with the local swim teams, Bree struggles to find her safe space among the mathematics classes and clubs. The lack of space in her desired elective classes lands her in the worst possible situation: swimming class. Unable to swim and grasping for excuses to avoid class, Bree begins drowning in anxiety and self-doubt. However, when her older neighbor Etta takes an interest in teaching her how to swim, things begin to turn around for Bree. Filled with vibrant illustrations and charming characters, this title tackles themes ranging from overcoming fear and forging friendships to grappling with classism and racism as the public school swim team competes with the private school team equipped with more resources to prepare for the season. The work presents an opportunity for readers to reflect on both typical childhood issues as well as the systemic issues the United States has faced for centuries such as the lack of access to pools and resources for Black athletes. Rich with images and references to Black culture, this text will serve as a mirror and window for readers. Bree, her father, and Etta are Black. VERDICT A fresh companion to Jerry Craft's New Kid, this graphic novel belongs on shelves in school and libraries everywhere.—Angie Jameson "Full of charm, heart, and pulse-pounding races. A winner!" - Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese and Dragon Hoops "Combines wonderful characters and history to create a story that will make you want to dive right in!" - Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award–winning New Kid "A revelation! You’ll root for Swim Team —the water is just right." - John Jennings, New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award–winning creator This energetic, heartfelt graphic novel captures the joys and challenges of a sport that should be—but hasn’t always been—freely enjoyed by everyone. - Book Page "This enjoyable graphic novel deals with familiar and middle-grade-appropriate themes of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming fears. The accessible illustrations add to the humorous (and sometimes serious) moments within the text." - Horn Book Magazine "Swim Team is a beautiful story about trying new things. Johnnie Christmas is a fantastic storyteller and artist." - Kazu Kibuishi, author of Amulet “This graphic novel  belongs on shelves in school and libraries everywhere .” - School Library Journal (starred review) "A powerful, knowledgeable, and pressing exploration of the intersection where swimming meets Black identity. Empowerment through swimming and swim team is well-embodied in Bree, a smart, perseverant, anxious kid who readers will embrace instantly. The friendly and familiar style of Christmas' linework pours out into some true artistry." - Booklist (starred review) Challenging the idea that “Black people aren’t good at swimming,” this middle grade debut from Christmas (the Angel Catbird series, for adults) details segregation’s generational impact through a warmhearted story of community, Black diasporic identity, and l