I would use this book in an older range middle school setting due to its sensitive topics. I would use this book to have my students create character depictions of the main character, important characters, and side characters. Once the students did this, I would have them build a chart and diagram on connections they have built up as we read the text. With these connections in mind, I would have my students create a story of a character that overcomes a great obstacle in their life. ( )

This is a story about a swimmer, a daughter, a sister and a friend--but most of all it is a journey of Skye accepting and learning who she is.
I connected with aSkye, and even if I haven't been in some of her unique roles as a caretaker to her brother with Down's, and I've never had any experience with competitive swimming, her struggle to find her place, and really appreciate what life has to offer even in the midst of hard times makes for a wonderful story.
The way she handles things that life throws at her is understandable. She has real emotions and we get to experience them with her. What I really appreciate though is how she ultimately learns from it, and though she's not perfect, the next time she's faced with similar, she is better able to respond. I know that in my own life I've refused to learn and grow, but Skye wasn't like that and we got to see her progress and hopefully learn from it.
This is an older book, but I think that it definitely deserves a chance to shine again with new readers.

Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com

Skye Johnson, a junior in high school, is an excellent swimmer, and is training to qualify for State. The state swimming competition could net a college scholarship for Skye. Her older brother, Sunny, has Down Syndrome. Since her divorced mother must work more than one job to support the family, she is away from home most of the time, and it is Skye's job to watch out for Sunny. He's a great kid, always cheerful, but he does require a lot of time from Skye as she makes sure he does his homework, and manages to get home from school, along with fixing him meals. There is just not much time for anything else...just Sunny, school, and swimming.

Then Skye meets Mike and her priorities begin to change. Sunny wants to learn to swim: he adores his sister, and wants to be just like her, and he wants Skye to teach him how. Life is frustrating, and Skye finds herself being dishonest with her mother in order to find time for herself. She had promised to give Sunny swimming lessons, but instead signs him up for classes so that she can spend time with Mike - only to find out that he may not be the nice guy that she thought he was.

Her life is further complicated when Sunny qualifies for Special Olympics, and his meet is at the same time as Skye's state championship swim. Skye's emotions are on a roller coaster, and her pain and frustration had me crying and then cheering for her victories.

Rottman is a master at characterization and plotting. The author brings to life the reality and rewards of caring for someone with a learning disability in a fast-paced story that is hard to put down. ( )