Twenty-One Mile Swim

A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a huge, intimidating personal goal and is feeling overwhelmed or tempted to quit. It is an ideal story for young athletes or any child learning to tackle a long-term project. The book follows eleven-year-old Dory, a determined swimmer who sets her sights on an incredible feat: swimming the twenty-one miles across Lake Ontario. The narrative focuses on the grueling, day-by-day process of training, highlighting themes of resilience, mental fortitude, and the courage required to face one's fears. It's an inspiring and straightforward story for upper-elementary readers that beautifully illustrates how to break down a monumental challenge into manageable steps and the profound satisfaction that comes from pushing your own limits.