How to Breathe Underwater

by Vicky Skinner

Overview

When Kate has to move, she falls for the boy across the hall. Only problem? He has a girlfriend.

Kate has spent her whole life working to be the best swimmer in order to earn her father's love, until he betrayed her and her family. Now, she's forced to start over and figure out what swimming really means to her, in this contemporary young adult debut from Vicky Skinner.

Kate’s father has been pressuring her to be perfect for her whole life, pushing her to be the best swimmer she can be. But when Kate finds her dad cheating on her mom, Kate’s perfect world comes crashing down, and Kate is forced to leave home and the swim team she's been a part of her whole life.

Now in a new home and new school, faced with the prospect of starting over, Kate isn't so sure that swimming is what she wants anymore. But when she decides to quit, her whole world seems to fall apart. But when Kate gets to know Michael, the cute boy that lives across the hall, she starts to think that starting over might not be so bad. There's only one problem: Michael has a girlfriend.

As the pressures of love, family, and success press down on her, can Kate keep her head above water?

Praise for How to Breathe Underwater:

"Skinner adeptly creates relatable and honest characters. . .Give this to fans of complex stories about relationships who might enjoy a bit of sports mixed in." —School Library Journal

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250309242
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	05/28/2019
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	734,981
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Vicky Skinner holds a literature degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. She lives in Garland, Texas, with her husband and two dogs. Vicky is the author of How to Breathe Underwater.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for How to Breathe Underwater, from our Swoon Readers:

“Well-developed characters, interesting story line, clean writing,– I'm hooked.” —Christy Hintz

“A very lovely story and an enjoyable read.” —Katie Kaleski

From the Publisher

07/01/2018
Gr 9 Up—Kate has her whole life figured out; but when her dad—who is also her swimming coach—cheats on her mom, she and her mom leave and move to the city of Portland. Kate quits swimming, her mom is depressed, and her sister decides to cancel her wedding—all due to Kate's father's actions. Kate tries to find other things to occupy her mind. She meets Michael, the boy across the hall, and they quickly become friends. Kate must jump another hurdle when she finds out that Michael has a girlfriend. Maybe things aren't looking so great. And without swimming, Kate's saving grace, can she keep her new life from drowning, too? Skinner adeptly creates relatable and honest characters. Their flaws, challenges, and problems build a compelling story with deep character growth and development. This contemporary novel deals with tough topics in a lighthearted and humorous way. VERDICT Give this to fans of complex stories about relationships who might enjoy a bit of sports mixed in.—Caitlin Wilson, Meadowdale Library, North Chesterfield, VA

School Library Journal