Swim Team: A Graphic Novel

“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

AWARDS

 Amazon.com Best Books of the Month

 Harvey Award

 National Book Award Longlist

 Jane Addams Book Award

 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best

 CYBILS Awards

 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award nominee

 Coretta Scott King Award (Illustrator)

 Kirkus Reviews Best Books

 ALA Black Caucus Award

 CBC Best Book of the Year

 Children’s Book Council’s Children’s Favorites Award

 Sunshine State Young Readers Award (Florida)

 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award

 Jane Addams Book Award Honor Book

 Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List

 Silver Birch Award Finalist

 Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award (Minnesota)

 Rhode Island Children's Book Award

 Children’s Book Council’s Teacher Favorites Award

 Bank Street Children’s Best Books of the Year

 Land of Enchantment Book Award (New Mexico)

 Children’s Book Council’s Librarian Favorites Award

 Nene Award (Hawaii)

 CBC Books Best of Canadian Fiction

 Booklist Editor's Choice: Books for Youth

 Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List

 NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award

 Yellowhammer Book Award (Alabama)

 Eisner Award

 North Carolina Children's Book Award List

 Nutmeg Children’s Book Award (Connecticut)

 Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year

 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Award