Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim

★ All together, this is a multilayered and rewarding reading experience....A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.–Myra Zarnowski, School Library Journal Kwesi accompanies his friends to Lagoon Lake, but his fear of the water keeps him on the pier, which prompts teasing from his peers. Crestfallen, Kwesi hides his tears as his mother drives him home. After enjoying a scrumptious meal of peanut soup and fufu made by his Nana Ruby, he opens up about what happened at the lake. Nana Ruby—who moved to the U.S. from a small Ghanian village as a child—tells her grandson that she never learned to swim. When she was young, white Americans filled pools with dirt rather than integrate them. But she strikes a deal with Kwesi: She will learn to swim if he does. Commeh integrates many aspects of Ghanaian culture into this story, among them the African water spirit Mami Wata (who serves as inspiration as both grandmother and child begin swim lessons), Adinkra symbols, the djembe drum, the game oware (also called mancala), and more. All of this makes for wordy though heartfelt text that’s sometimes weighed down by explanations. Quintino’s mixed-media illustrations are dominated by oranges, greens, and deep blues; vibrant nature scenes alternate with warm domestic tableaux. Commeh brings the narrative to a triumphant conclusion as both Kwesi and Nana Ruby dive into Lagoon Lake together. An informative and celebratory, multigenerational story of swimming. - Kirkus Reviews “When Kwesi confides to his Nana Ruby that he is embarrassed by his inability to swim, she makes him a deal: if he learns to swim, she will, too. Surprised that Nana Ruby can’t swim, Kwesi learns about segregation—and its lingering consequences for Black Americans. Inspired by a story about an African water deity, Kwesi agrees to the deal. The illustrations reflect the geometric patterns and saturated colors of traditional kente cloth, honoring the history and heritage of the book’s Ghanaian characters.” - Foreword Magazine   ★""The love between Kwesi and his grandmother is both powerful and empowering, and readers will be inspired to see not only a child but also an adult naming their fears and drawing on deep roots to help the family overcome historical obstacles and personal anxiety."" - Elisha Brookover, Booklist “This is a beautiful portrayal of a grandchild–grandparent relationship. Kwesi and Nana Ruby have so much time for each other and there’s wonderful understanding between them. I love the way Nany Ruby shares her family history and culture and she’s a powerful role model to Kwesi in the way she  triumphs over painful experiences from her past.” - JUNO Magazine ""Kwesi loves to spend time on the lake – the only problem is he can't swim. But nor can his Nana Ruby and she explains how, when she moved from Ghana to the US, she never learnt. They make a pact and call on the Mami Wata – the legendary West African sea creature – to help. This is a magical tale about facing and overcoming our fears together."" - Absolutely Education magazine ""Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim is an outstanding, multi-layered story. Kwesi loves to spend time but the lake with friends. Only he can’t swim. Neither can Nana Ruby & over dinner one evening we discover why. The history of racism is not a comfortable one but it is important to acknowledge. This story shows us how to do that, embrace our fears and discover strength in family, friends & our own cultures."" - Armadillo magazine