The Big Splash

Gr 2-5–This heartfelt sequel in the “Julia on the Go!” series offers readers a lesson about how first impressions aren’t always what they seem. After overcoming an ear infection, Korean Canadian Julia is finally back in the pool with the Mountainview Community Center’s swim team, the Vipers. However, when beloved Coach Melissa is called away to a family emergency, her substitute Coach Nathan has a much harsher approach to leading the team. Morale hits a new low when Coach Nathan tells the team that they need to host a fundraiser car wash in just two weeks! Frustrated swimmers begin dropping, and friendship tensions brew when Julia’s best friend Maricel pulls away after the car wash inspires a blossoming connection with a teammate. Readers will relate to this emotional story as nine-year-old Julia’s narrative maintains childlike curiosity and passion. The community center is an authentic backdrop as Julia continues to build deeper connections with a variety of diverse characters and perspectives. Relationships are as genuine as the dialogue. Julia gently navigates young readers through a variety of experiences and age-appropriate questions around first appearances, making judgments, and challenging them along the way. Kim’s grayscale digital illustrations throughout accentuate the characters’ expressions and demonstrate the light humor woven within the story.