Kwesi and Nana Ruby are great characters to show children that learning takes time and effort. I love seeing learning happen at any age, and trusted adults willing to participate in activities with a child. The mythical story Nana shares is a great addition and supports Kwesi in learning to swim. Simple and effective at showing a supportive adult helping a child overcome a fear.

This was so gorgeous and sweet. Kwesi has fun shark swim trunks but he doesn't know how to swim, and his grandmother says she'll learn to swim with him. Kwesi is surprised that she doesn't already know how, and she explains the part of their culture that made swimming less accessible. Bright colors and warm relationships, and I even learned some words from Ghana.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This is a positive book that highlights the rite of passage that is learning to swim, barriers to swimming, and the special relationship between a boy, his grandmother, and his Ghanian culture. The grandmother shares with her grandson that she never learned to swim because she moved to the US from Ghana during segregation. When pools were integrated, white people tried to drain the pools or close them down. Ultimately, many generations of Black families never learned to swim. Kwesi and his grandmother agree to learn together and bond over swimming.

The book ends with an author's note about how he came to like swimming, and his hope for all Black children to learn to swim. There is a glossary of Ghanian vocabulary, and some facts about Ghanian culture.

I highly recommend this book for schools and libraries!

Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

This story is perfect. Young Kwesi is afraid to swim. He's teased when he shows up to swim in his shark shorts, afraid to dip in his toes. Discouraged he heads home to hang out with Nana Ruby. Nana Ruby moved to the US from Ghana when she was Kwesi's age. And she, too, has a fear of water and swimming. Notes on US segregation and the impact of white actions on Black people surrounding water/swimming. Subtle, yet, educational with age-appropriate historical facts. Both Nana Ruby and Kwesi decide to make a deal and learn to swim together. The addition of Mami Wata, an African water spirit, is refreshing and a beautiful inclusion to add to a story of overcoming fears. Back matter includes a glossary with more information about Ghana and the Akan People that were a perfect addition. Excellent story woven with absolutely incredible illustrations. Very excited for the release!!