We Don't Swim Here
on Goodreads (1,304)
What’s inside...
In this chilling new novel by Vincent Tirado, Bronwyn moves to rural Hillwoods to be with her dying grandmother. Despite the town's stark beauty, she is warned against going into the water by everyone, including the secretive Anais who tries to protect her. As Bronwyn delves into the town's eerie mysteries, she and Anais find themselves facing dangers rooted in history and retribution. This gripping tale explores themes of grief, curiosity, and the weight of historical truths.
Age
12-18
Length
316 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bronwyn
Anais
Discussion points
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story and why do you think that happened?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How do the friendships in the book impact the events that occur?
What are some ways the characters could have solved their problems differently?
What did you learn from the story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when asking questions to make your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect more deeply with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the characters' decisions and actions, and ask your child if they agree or disagree with those choices. This can help develop moral and ethical reasoning.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how different characters might have felt in various situations throughout the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story features a diverse cast of characters who learn to appreciate each other's differences and develop friendships beyond cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity in their classrooms and communities, helping them build more inclusive and understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The protagonist faces and overcomes their fear of water, which is a central theme of the book. This journey towards courage is depicted through supportive friendships and self-belief.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of the class, teaching them the value of resilience and courage.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to organize a community swimming event, highlighting the benefits and necessity of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group projects at school or in team sports, learning that cooperation and collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book sheds light on the importance of maintaining clean and safe recreational spaces like community pools through the characters' initiative to keep their swimming area clean.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate in or initiate clean-up drives in their own neighborhoods, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.