Pool Princess

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

Gracie is looking forward to joining a more competitive synchronized
swim team now that she has moved closer to Calgary. The calibre of the
coaching and the skill of the other swimmers is somewhat intimidating,
but the intimidation Gracie faces from a bully on the team is too much
to take. Gracie’s one and only friend at school is also facing a
serious situation with a bully who has been threatening him. As Gracie
helps Justin resolve his problem, she gains the insight and confidence
to solve her own.

This true-to-life story looks at the difficulties children face when
they become the victims of bullying. The fact that intimidation in
sports can be a form of bullying is an important point to make. The
novel also provides insight into the strength, flexibility, and stamina
required by synchronized swimmers as they undergo intense training for
competition. The author skilfully captures the tension and mood of the
characters with an easy going, yet suspenseful style. Readers who are
familiar with the Sports Stories series will not be disappointed with
this fine sequel to Breathing Not Required (1995). Recommended.