5 books about swimming

Dive into the deep end with these stories about swimming.

Splash

by Charli Howard (Nosy Crow) Molly dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer – but she lives in the shadow of her friend Chloe. When Molly has the chance to compete in a competition, she must choose between fitting in and following her dreams. Exploring friendship, bullying, body image and the challenge of daring to be different, this is an inspiring read.

The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas

by David Almond. Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (Walker Books) In this zany story, Stanley Potts is a perfectly ordinary boy until he gets a job working on the hook-a-duck stall at the fair. Events soon lead him to the “piscatorial genius” Pancho Pirelli – famed as the man who swims with piranhas. Will Stanley be brave enough to follow his destiny, and leap in the water himself?

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

by Judy Blume (Macmillan Children’s Books) Ten-year-old Sheila hates swimming. Not to mention dogs and thunderstorms. She’ll do anything to avoid them – the truth is, she’s frightened. Her new friend, Mouse Ellis, says she’s chicken. This is a funny and entertaining story about facing up to your fears.

Boy Underwater

by Adam Baron. Illustrated by Benji Davies (Harper Collins Children’s Books) Cymbeline Igloo has never been swimming. However, when he heads to the pool, there are dramatic consequences.

Now Cymbeline must solve the mystery of why his mum never took him near the water. Older readers will be engrossed by this story about secrets.

Song of the Dolphin Boy

by Elizabeth Laird (Macmillan Children’s Books) When Finn goes swimming with dolphins, he feels completely at home, but he soon learns that the dolphins are in danger from the rubbish that floats out into the water. Finn must join forces with some unexpected allies to help save these friendly creatures in this thought-provoking story.