Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim

Starred review from January 1, 2025

Gr 1-3-The story of how Kwesi and Nana Ruby conquer their fears is beautifully told by Commeh. When Kwesi, a young boy, reveals to Nana Ruby that he is afraid of swimming, she admits that she is, too. Then she tells him that he can be an expert swimmer, and she agrees to learn how to swim. Nana Ruby shares the story of Mami Wata, who is half woman and half fish, who will protect them when they are in the water. And she does. Several types of information are combined to tell this story, making the book a unique reading experience. Nana Ruby is originally from Ghana, and she and Kwesi both draw on their cultural heritage. Threaded throughout is information about Mami Wata's story and her song, and Ghanaian food. Nana Ruby also tells Kwesi that in the past Black people were not allowed to swim in public pools, and that explains why many Black people never learned to swim. Colorful, informative, engaging illustrations add to readers' enjoyment. In addition, back matter has more information about Ghana. All together, this is a multilayered and rewarding reading experience. VERDICT A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.-Myra Zarnowski

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2025
A young Black boy and his grandmother become confident swimmers. 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. (author's and illustrator's notes, glossary, map of Ghana, explanation of Ghanaian names)(Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from February 1, 2025
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* "All of my friends can play fun games in the water but I can't swim!" When Kwesi shares his struggle with his grandmother, she reveals that she, too, is afraid of the water, and they make a deal to learn to swim together. Rich, colorful multimedia illustrations incorporate symbols and imagery of the West African Akan people, beautifully supporting a story steeped in Kwesi's Ghanaian American heritage. Kwesi is surprised to learn that an adult is afraid of water, until Nana explains the history of Black Americans being denied the opportunity to learn to swim. She assures him, however, that Mami Wata, an African water spirit, will protect them, and as Kwesi learns to float and kick, songs of Mami Wata give him courage. Throughout the text, names and cultural references, such as kente fabric and djembe drums, are matter-of-factly included as parts of Kwesi's world and explained further in the back matter. 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. Kwesi's specific context adds depth and warmth to this universal story of choosing to move through fear to reach what you want.

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