Books Like Ready, Set, Swim!
Families who loved Ready, Set, Swim! by Laurie Friedman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Ready, Set, Swim! by Laurie Friedman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing their very first organized sports competition or feeling the jitters of a 'big day' where performance is expected. It is an ideal choice for the child who enjoys an activity but becomes paralyzed by the pressure of a formal meet or game. The story follows a young swimmer navigating the transition from fun practice to a structured race, emphasizing that nervousness is a universal part of the process. Written for the early elementary age group, the book uses relatable dialogue and clear scenarios to model healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety. It validates a child's fear of 'coming in last' while shifting the focus toward team spirit and personal effort. Parents will appreciate how it de-escalates the high stakes of youth sports, making it a perfect tool for normalizing nerves and building the emotional resilience needed to step onto the starting block.
