A review by minimicropup
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Adult me: 4⭐️  This was surprisingly deep and enjoyable. 
Middle grade me (probably): 3.5⭐️ Parents are so annoying, see! 
 
Energy: Industrious. Decisive. Eager. 
 
🐕 Howls
A key character’s story was left unresolved and I so needed to know what happened to her and if she’s okay 😥
 
🐩 Tail Wags
Refreshing exploration of feminism, womanhood, and the complexities of identity. Surprisingly deep exploration of how femininity and empowerment can take many forms, depending on the person. Value of team sports in building confidence without overlooking the potential harm caused by professionalization of kids’ sports. Dives into the intricacies of being Latina, with insightful reflections. Complex main character. The friendship dynamics and development. 
 
Scene: 🇺🇸 Set in Los Angeles, California, USA
Perspective: Our 12-year old main character discovers artistic (synchronized) swimming while hanging out at the local pool, but their parents don’t support them joining a team because of their beliefs around the sport and feminism. 
Timeline: Current (2010s or 2020s). ☀️ Summer and early Fall. 
🔥 Fuel: text. How will our main character get to participate in artistic swimming? How can she prove to her parents it’s a worthwhile cause? 
📖 Cred: Realistic
 
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Vogue magazine. Outdoor pool. Esther Williams. Fenty lipstick. Sequin swimsuit. Protest marches. Meditation app. In-N-Out. Hamilton soundtrack. 
  • Extracurriculars quest
  • Opposites attract besties
  • Body confident, glam, imperfect main character
  • Growing up in an activist fam
  • Heart in the right place scheming
  • Developing interests that differ from your friends
  • Parents as obstacles to interests and true self
  • Prove the parents wrong
  • Trying to balance schoolwork, team sport, and friendship
  • Bouts of self-doubt
  • Parents admitting their mistakes
  • Main character talking to us, giving us insight into her feelings, thoughts, and motivations and plans.
 
Content Heads-Up: Blackmail. Keeping secrets from parents. Peer snark (indifference, giggling, sneering). Lesbophobia, homophobia (from parent). Parental rejection (homophobic, kicked out).
 
Rep: Latine. Ethiopian ancestry. American. Cis. Lesbian. Hetero. Fat. Sun-kissed, brown, light-skinned, freckled, and dark skin tones. 
 
📚 Format: Kobo
 
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