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A review by bookishrealm
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera
4.0
I hate that I waited so long to get to this one! It was such a fun read. CW: physical altercations, microagressions, violent outbursts, homophobia.
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera is unlike any middle grade that I've read before in that it presents to a readers a lead character that doesn't fit into the typical mold of middle grade characters. It follows Nat who has trouble effectively expressing herself in high tension moments. In fact, most times she's quick to react in ways that lead to violent outburst. One of these outburst leads to her getting removed from the community pool. Forced to attend a different pool, Nat encounters the LA Mermaids, a synchronized swimming team, and immediately feels compelled to join. Unfortunately, not only does Nat have to deal with parents who disapprove of a sport that seems to focus too heavily on looks, but also a society that doesn't think she's thin enough to compete. What follows is a story of self-discovery, growth, self-love, and finding one's voice.
What Worked: I absolutely loved Nat. She's different and I have tendency to like what's different. She makes poor choices, makes horrible assumptions, and has a lot of growing up to do, but she's also caring, compassionate, and knows how to stand up for herself and what she believes in. This, ultimately, made her one of the most balanced characters that I've come across in middle grade this year. Most importantly, Nat grows and learns how to effectively deal with her anger. The descriptions of what it takes to participate in synchronized swimming were GREAT. While I wanted more of that on page, the moments we do get as reader paint an entirely new picture of the sport. Rivera also does a great job developing the side characters. I also appreciated the full circle moment that we end up getting with Nat's parents. While I know the lying won't be a hit for some audiences, it is something that happens between parents/caregivers and their children.
Overall, this was a great book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Lilliam Rivera.
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera is unlike any middle grade that I've read before in that it presents to a readers a lead character that doesn't fit into the typical mold of middle grade characters. It follows Nat who has trouble effectively expressing herself in high tension moments. In fact, most times she's quick to react in ways that lead to violent outburst. One of these outburst leads to her getting removed from the community pool. Forced to attend a different pool, Nat encounters the LA Mermaids, a synchronized swimming team, and immediately feels compelled to join. Unfortunately, not only does Nat have to deal with parents who disapprove of a sport that seems to focus too heavily on looks, but also a society that doesn't think she's thin enough to compete. What follows is a story of self-discovery, growth, self-love, and finding one's voice.
What Worked: I absolutely loved Nat. She's different and I have tendency to like what's different. She makes poor choices, makes horrible assumptions, and has a lot of growing up to do, but she's also caring, compassionate, and knows how to stand up for herself and what she believes in. This, ultimately, made her one of the most balanced characters that I've come across in middle grade this year. Most importantly, Nat grows and learns how to effectively deal with her anger. The descriptions of what it takes to participate in synchronized swimming were GREAT. While I wanted more of that on page, the moments we do get as reader paint an entirely new picture of the sport. Rivera also does a great job developing the side characters. I also appreciated the full circle moment that we end up getting with Nat's parents. While I know the lying won't be a hit for some audiences, it is something that happens between parents/caregivers and their children.
Overall, this was a great book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Lilliam Rivera.