Summary
When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He would take responsibility for the children and train them to swim. Sakamoto developed a strict practice regime for the kids, honing their skills and building their strength and endurance. They formed a team and began to dominate events, nationally and then internationally until they made it all the way to Olympic gold!
Theme(s):
Determination, Teamwork, Believing in Yourself, Caring
Personal Response
This book was a short read, however, I really enjoyed the unique format of the words and illustrations. The book is written in a lyrical sort of rhyming pattern, making it similar to poetry and how that is read- like a song. It also is about a real true story that is mostly unknown to many people, which made me enjoy it even more.
Teaching Ideas
I would use this book in my teaching by making a lesson about perseverance and believing in yourself to go along with reading this book aloud. We would discuss the importance of determination and having confidence- growing a growth mindset. I could also use it as a way to introduce a sense of poetry if I was teaching an upper level grade. Students could write their own poem about a time or story when they persevered through something.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03
