Deep Water
“Readers will feel every wave of Tully’s emotions as she risks everything to try to get her mom’s attention. A powerful novel in verse.” —Lisa Fipps, author of Printz Honor book Starfish
An impactful, gripping middle grade novel in verse from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner that spans one girl’s marathon swim over twelve miles and six hours, calling her mom back home with every stroke.
Six hours.
One marathon swim.
That’s all Tully Birch needs to get her life straightened out. With the help of her best friend, Arch, Tully braves the waters of Lake Tahoe to break the record for the youngest person ever to complete the famous “Godfather swim.” She wants to achieve something no one in the world has done, because if she does, maybe, just maybe, her mom will come back.
The swim starts off well—heart steady, body loose, Arch in charge of snacks as needed. But for Tully, all that time alone with her thoughts allows memories to surface. And in the silence of deep waters, sadness can sink you. When the swim turns dangerous, Tully fights for her survival. Does she keep going and risk her own safety and Arch’s? Or does she quit to save them both, even if it means giving up hope that her mother will return?
# of Pages: 224
Book Binding: Hardcover
Year of Publication: 2024
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Language: en
ISBN: 9781665935067
Jamie Sumner is a writer and mother based in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and a Master's degree in Special Education. After her son was born with cerebral palsy, Sumner became passionate about advocating for individuals with disabilities, and her writing often reflects this mission. In addition to Deep Water, Sumner has also published two other novels, Roll With It and Tune It Out, both of which feature protagonists with disabilities. When she's not writing, Sumner enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring the great outdoors.