 | Kwesi and Nana Ruby learn to swim Author: Commeh, Kobina | |
| Price: $8.19 | ||
Summary:
You will be an expert swimmer like Mama Wata. Kwesi's fear of the water keeps him from having fun with his friends. When he confides in Nana Ruby, she shares her own story of being kept out of public pools. Inspired by the legendary sea creature Mami Wata, Kwesi and Nana Ruby set out to conquer their fear.
| Illustrator: | Quintino, Barbara |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.00 Points: .5 Quiz: 556854 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (01/15/25)
School Library Journal (+) (00/01/25)
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/01/2025 *Starred Review* “All of my friends can play fun games in the water but I can’t swim!” When Kwesi shares his struggle with his grandmother, she reveals that she, too, is afraid of the water, and they make a deal to learn to swim together. Rich, colorful multimedia illustrations incorporate symbols and imagery of the West African Akan people, beautifully supporting a story steeped in Kwesi’s Ghanaian American heritage. Kwesi is surprised to learn that an adult is afraid of water, until Nana explains the history of Black Americans being denied the opportunity to learn to swim. She assures him, however, that Mami Wata, an African water spirit, will protect them, and as Kwesi learns to float and kick, songs of Mami Wata give him courage. Throughout the text, names and cultural references, such as kente fabric and djembe drums, are matter-of-factly included as parts of Kwesi’s world and explained further in the back matter. The love between Kwesi and his grandmother is both powerful and empowering, and readers will be inspired to see not only a child but also an adult naming their fears and drawing on deep roots to help the family overcome historical obstacles and personal anxiety. Kwesi’s specific context adds depth and warmth to this universal story of choosing to move through fear to reach what you want. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
