Written by Julie Abery, Illustrated by Chris Sasaki
Sakamoto’s Swim Club is beautifully and vividly told with few words in simple rhyme. It is an inspirational story of a teacher who starts a swim club for children of migrant sugar cane workers in Hawaii. The children inauspiciously begin by swimming against the current in the irrigation ditches. Eventually, the club moves to a pool. The team becomes National Champions in 1939 and produces Olympic gold medal winning swimmers. This nonfiction picture book impresses and inspires. An author’s note provides additional information, including a picture of Coach Sakamoto and his team.
Reviewed by Heidi Reed, Media Clerk, Morningside Elementary
Review shared in July 2021
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Sakamoto’s Swim Club
Written by Julie Abery, Illustrated by Chris Sasaki
Kids Can Press
40 pages
Release Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 9781525300318
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
