Taking a Dive

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Only a few short months ago, 12-year-old Josie established a new
provincial record for the 200-metre butterfly stroke at a swimming
competition. Since then, she has been dead in the water, both personally
and competitively. Every time she hits the water, Josie finds herself
swimming slower and slower. Every time she has a conversation with a
boy, she ends up having a fight with him over gender equality. Josie’s
biggest blow-up happens in her Grade 7 science class, when a loudmouthed
jock named Jimmy Brady claims girls are second-rate at both science and
sports. Josie’s hot response results in her being appointed captain of
an all-girl team of athletic misfits who now have to beat the best boy
athletes in her grade to prove they are equal.

Though swimming is the featured sport in this sequel to Water Fight, it
is mainly a backdrop to Josie’s inner struggle with herself. Josie has
to learn how to give and take criticism before she can lead her team to
victory. A classic battle of the sexes and some interesting plot twists
add excitement to the story. But, sadly, even in triumph Josie still
seems to need the final approval of her nemesis Jimmy Brady before her
victory feels complete. Recommended.