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Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim

AUTHOR Quintino, Bárbara; Commeh, Kobina
PUBLISHER Barefoot Books (02/04/2025)
PRODUCT TYPE Hardcover (Hardcover)

Description
? "A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others" -- School Library Journal, starred review

Kwesi doesn't know how to swim... and discovers his grandmother doesn't either! Can they conquer their fear of water together with the help of the West African legend Mami Wata?

"How about we make a deal?" Nana rubbed Kwesi's head. "I will learn to swim, if you do."
"Deal!"

Kwesi likes spending time at the lake with his friends, except there's one tiny problem... he can't swim. But guess what? Neither can Nana Ruby! When she comes over for dinner one night, she tells Kwesi about when she moved from Ghana to the US and the history of segregation that kept her out of pools and caused a fear of water among many Black people.

"So I will never learn how to swim?" Kwesi asks. But Nana Ruby tells him they will call on the strength of Mami Wata, the sea creature of West African legend, to conquer their fears together. This touching intergenerational story teaches the importance of naming, acknowledging and facing fears.

  • End notes include more information on West African cultures, including the Akan people, day names, and adinkra symbols.
  • Teaches kids about the history of segregation of public pools and beaches in an accessible way
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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9798888593622
Binding: Hardback or Cased Book (Sewn)
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 32
Carton Quantity: 24
Product Dimensions: 8.77 x 0.38 x 10.83 inches
Weight: 0.89 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Ikids
Country of Origin: US
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Juvenile Fiction | African American & Black
Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation - Water Sports
Juvenile Fiction | Family - Grandparents
Grade Level: 1st Grade - 3rd Grade
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 0
Point Value: 0
Guided Reading Level: Not Applicable
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
jacket back
You will be an expert swimmer like Mama Wata.
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publisher marketing
? "A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others" -- School Library Journal, starred review

Kwesi doesn't know how to swim... and discovers his grandmother doesn't either! Can they conquer their fear of water together with the help of the West African legend Mami Wata?

"How about we make a deal?" Nana rubbed Kwesi's head. "I will learn to swim, if you do."
"Deal!"

Kwesi likes spending time at the lake with his friends, except there's one tiny problem... he can't swim. But guess what? Neither can Nana Ruby! When she comes over for dinner one night, she tells Kwesi about when she moved from Ghana to the US and the history of segregation that kept her out of pools and caused a fear of water among many Black people.

"So I will never learn how to swim?" Kwesi asks. But Nana Ruby tells him they will call on the strength of Mami Wata, the sea creature of West African legend, to conquer their fears together. This touching intergenerational story teaches the importance of naming, acknowledging and facing fears.

  • End notes include more information on West African cultures, including the Akan people, day names, and adinkra symbols.
  • Teaches kids about the history of segregation of public pools and beaches in an accessible way
Show More
List Price $17.99
Your Price  $17.81
Hardcover