Sakamoto's Swim Club - by Julie Abery (Hardcover)

About the Book

Lyrically told true story of the teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers to Olympic glory.When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He would take responsibility for the children and train them to swim. Using his science background, Sakamoto developed a strict practice regime for the kids, honing their skills and building their strength and endurance. They formed a team and began to dominate events, first nationally and then internationally --- until they made it all the way to Olympic gold!Told in simple rhyme, Sakamoto's story will inspire athletes, coaches --- and everyone who believes impossible dreams can come true.

Book Synopsis

The inspirational and little-known story of a dedicated teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers all the way to the Olympics, beautifully told in simple rhyme.

When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He offered to take responsibility for the children -- and then he began training them how to swim. Using his science background, Sakamoto devised his own innovative coaching techniques: he developed a strict practice regime for the kids, building their strength and endurance by using the ditch water's natural current. The children worked hard under the dedicated Sakamoto's guidance, and their skills improved. They formed a swim club and began to dominate in swimming events around the world. And then one day, the proud Sakamoto saw an impossible dream come true -- Olympic gold!

In a unique approach that makes for a moving read-aloud, Julie Abery uses limited rhyming text to tell the little-known story of Coach Sakamoto and the Three-Year Swim Club. The stunning art of award-winning and highly acclaimed Chris Sasaki perfectly complements the lyrical storytelling. This inspiring picture book offers excellent lessons in perseverance, believing in yourself and not letting others define you, while wonderfully capturing how one person can make a huge difference in the lives of others. In highlighting the team's "bright and loud" presence at events, with their Hawaiian dress and ukulele, it also encourages children to take pride in their heritage and view it as a strength. An author's note with photos and more information tell the fuller story of Soichi Sakamoto and his Three-Year Swim Club.

Review Quotes

Told in rhyming verse, this story is a fascinating piece of history about how business, educators, and children worked together to help one another succeed ...--CM Magazine

A brief but compelling introduction to an unlikely sports hero.--Horn Book

Abery tells the story in tight, driving verse ... Sasaki supplies detail in gracefully composed spreads ...--Publishers Weekly

Chris Sasaki's vibrant and detailed images perfectly complement Julie Abery's sparse rhyming narrative to tell the story of this unconventional coach who led a group of kids ... [to] the Olympics ...--Honolulu Magazine

It's a heartening story, concisely told in verse and illustrated with rugged, energetic digital art.--Booklist Online

... sure to appeal to young readers and is a great contribution to sports history as well as Hawaiian history.--School Library Journal

Exudes inspiration and dedication.--Kirkus Reviews

A vibrant, original picture book.--Booklist, starred review

About the Author

Julie Abery is a children's author and early childhood educator. Originally from England, she has spent half of her life living in Europe, immersing herself in new languages and cultures. She currently lives in Switzerland.