Sink or Swim by Tash McAdam
Orca Soundings/Orca Book Publishers
Publication Date: August 17, 2021
ISBN: 978-1459828513
Bass and his adventurous new girlfriend Rosie skip school for a joyride on a boat. As a storm rolls in and their boat becomes damaged, the pair must find their way to a deserted island and fend for themselves. Bess is transgender and working on self-confiedence, so when he bravely chooses to swim for help, the story evolves from adventure to romance to self-discovery.
Tash McAdam writes in simple sentences using only the present tense and packs a big punch into a short book. Bass’s point of view is well-established, and readers will connect emotionally with his worries that range from whether Rosie actually likes him to how to survive. The plot moves quickly and ends with a hopeful future.
This is a good pick for students who like reading Hi-Lo survival stories like Tornado by Sharon Jennings or watching shows like Survivor, The Wilds, or Naked and Afraid.
–Diana Ford Baltimore, MD
Other Nominated Titles
- I Dare You by Jeff Ross (February 23, 2021)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the Title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are available on The Hub.
