About This Book
Reach for this book when your teen is struggling with the crushing weight of academic or athletic perfectionism. It is a vital resource for the student who feels they must constantly live up to an older sibling's legacy or a parent's rigid expectations. The story follows Emily, a competitive swimmer entering the shark-infested waters of freshman year, where she must decide if her identity is defined by her stopwatch or by the life she builds outside the pool. It offers a relatable look at the transition to high school, peer pressure, and the courage required to redefine success on one's own terms. Parents will appreciate how it validates the stress of modern adolescence while gently suggesting that finding joy and balance is just as important as winning. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 to 15 who are beginning to navigate complex social hierarchies and internal pressure.
