 Loading...  | Barely floating Author: Rivera, Lilliam | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Twelve-year-old Natalia's dream of becoming a synchronized swimmer is in jeopardy when her parents decide they are against a sport that emphasizes looks, but Nat is determined to change their minds.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (05/15/23)
School Library Journal (07/01/23)
Booklist (+) (12/01/23)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/09/23)
The Hornbook (00/09/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2023 *Starred Review* Nat Santiago knows she can outswim any kid at her local pool, and if they underestimate her because of her age (12) or size (fat), that’s their problem. In fact, she’s turned a nice profit by regularly betting her opponents that she can beat them in a race. Her focus shifts when the L.A. Mermaids perform their synchronized swimming routine at the pool to promote upcoming team tryouts. Immediately, Nat becomes obsessed with these swimmers’ grace, strength, and sequined costumes, and she dives down an Esther Williams rabbit hole, emerging with the conviction that she must join the Mermaids. Unfortunately, her parents don’t agree, citing the sport’s unhealthy focus on physical appearance. With the help of her older cousin, Nat sneaks to the tryouts, where she makes the team but is saddled with keeping her new hobby a secret. Rivera’s layered, sparkling middle-grade debut is Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’ (2015) by way of Lisa Fipps’ Starfish (2021). Nat and her family come across as multifaceted, loving, and flawed. Her outspokenness and (mostly) unwavering self-confidence as a fat, beautiful Latina is a splendid thing to see, and her dip into the world of synchronized swimming is eye-opening. Well-integrated subplots involving a fractured friendship and a character coping with being outed add more depth to an already excellent story. Display this empowering novel with Esther Williams’ classic Million Dollar Mermaid. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
Booklist - 06/15/2023 *Starred Review* Nat Santiago knows she can outswim any kid at her local pool, and if they underestimate her because of her age (12) or size (fat), that’s their problem. In fact, she’s turned a nice profit by regularly betting her opponents that she can beat them in a race. Her focus shifts when the L.A. Mermaids perform their synchronized swimming routine at the pool to promote upcoming team tryouts. Immediately, Nat becomes obsessed with these swimmers’ grace, strength, and sequined costumes, and she dives down an Esther Williams rabbit hole, emerging with the conviction that she must join the Mermaids. Unfortunately, her parents don’t agree, citing the sport’s unhealthy focus on physical appearance. With the help of her older cousin, Nat sneaks to the tryouts, where she makes the team but is saddled with keeping her new hobby a secret. Rivera’s layered, sparkling middle-grade debut is Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’ (2015) by way of Lisa Fipps’ Starfish (2021). Nat and her family come across as multifaceted, loving, and flawed. Her outspokenness and (mostly) unwavering self-confidence as a fat, beautiful Latina is a splendid thing to see, and her dip into the world of synchronized swimming is eye-opening. Well-integrated subplots involving a fractured friendship and a character coping with being outed add more depth to an already excellent story. Display this empowering novel with Esther Williams’ classic Million Dollar Mermaid. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
