Although Jessenia often tires of hearing her mother talk about her childhood in Puerto Rico, she finds that the stories give her unexpected strength and inspiration when she participates in a swimming competition at school, as she imagines her arms reaching all the way to her mother's island home as she swims each lap. Jessenia's mami and younger brother, Luis, are on hand to watch her triumph in the final race of her swim meet in this story that incorporates details of her bicultural heritage into an easy sports story for young readers. Hector Viveros Lee's pencil and watercolor illustrations aptly capture the blue hues of the swimming pool and of the blue skies of Puerto Rico that exist in Jessenia's imagination. (Ages 5-8)

-- Provides a positive story about contemporary Hispanic children and encourages pride in family and culture

Jessenia is excited -- today is the big swim meet. This is her first year on the team, and today she'll swim in the first meet away from her team's home pool. As she leaves her apartment with her mother and her little brother Luis, Jessenia realizes she's worried, too. When the bus leaves the city and travels past neighborhoods with big houses and yards. she wonders how her team will ever be able to compete against the lucky girls who live here. Her worries compound when they arrive at the rival team's pool -- it's a lot bigger, and it probably never breaks down like the pool that Jessenia practices in.

The meet begins, and Jessenia loses her first race. But that doesn't stop Jessenia and her teammates from rooting loudly and proudly for each other. Jessenia even wins her last race of the day! After the meet, Jessenia is filled with pride and hope for the next competition.

The lessons in Get Set!Swim! are valuable ones for young readers. Not only does the book provide a positive image of girls in sports, but it teaches the importance of teamwork and pride. Youngsters will learn about overcoming their fears and gaining confidence in themselves. Most important of all, Get Set! Swim! teaches that victory is much more than merely winning a race.

At her first big swim meet, a young Hispanic girl learns the value of cooperation, self-confidence, and family pride