Swim Team — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
"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
Frequently asked questions
Is Swim Team appropriate for a 7-year-old?
No violence detected in the search results. The content focuses on themes of swimming, friendship, and overcoming fears, without any mention of violent acts. No scary content detected in the search results. The story deals with overcoming fears related to swimming but does not include frightening elements.
Does Swim Team have violence?
No violence detected in the search results. The content focuses on themes of swimming, friendship, and overcoming fears, without any mention of violent acts.
Does Swim Team have scary content?
No scary content detected in the search results. The story deals with overcoming fears related to swimming but does not include frightening elements.
Does Swim Team have religious themes?
No religious content detected in the search results. The narrative does not include any religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies.
Does Swim Team have racial/cultural content?
The story addresses the historical context of why many Black people do not know how to swim, discussing segregation and racial violence at pools. This theme is central to Bree's journey and the narrative's exploration of community and identity.
Does Swim Team have profanity?
No profanity detected in the search results. The content is geared towards a younger audience, focusing on age-appropriate themes.
Does Swim Team have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results. The story does not address environmental issues or climate change.
Does Swim Team have sexual identity?
No sexual content detected in the search results. The narrative centers on a young girl's experience with swimming and community, with no references to sexual themes.
Does Swim Team have gender roles?
No gender roles detected in the search results. The narrative focuses on Bree's personal growth and her relationship with her community rather than traditional or modern gender roles.
Does Swim Team have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes detected in the search results. The focus is primarily on Bree's journey in learning to swim and the historical context of Black people's relationship with swimming.
