GRAPHIC NOVELS

Sink or Swim

Random House Graphic. (Just Roll with It). Jun. 2024. 320p. Tr $22.99. ISBN 9780593125519.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-8–Ty is a middle school athlete who has been sidelined from the swim team by a broken arm. He begins to doubt himself, as his weight gain and time away from the pool will alter his role on the team, and his anxiety begins to affect his friendship with his fellow swimmer and best friend Max. Attending summer camp together tests their friendship as Ty struggles with his mental health and deals with the consequences of pushing Max away. The need to acknowledge when one needs help is addressed; however, a late-story romance takes the focus away from an otherwise strong story about friendship. Ty and his family are Latinx, and the book showcases a welcome mix of skin tones and body shapes among his classmates. This is the second graphic novel from Durfey-Lavoie and Agarwal in the "Just Roll with It" universe. This duo takes mental health very seriously and have crafted a poignant coming-of-age story with visual clues about drowning in emotions. The anime and chibi-style illustration will appeal to a young audience. This story can stand alone, but will appeal to youth who enjoyed Just Roll with It and Raina Telgemeier’s Guts.
VERDICT This graphic novel about anxiety, body image, and queerness is a recommended purchase for middle school library shelves.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?