Ethan is worried about going to summer camp for the first time, but his real challenge comes unexpectedly in the form of an idiosyncratic new cabin mate named Zachary who does not seem to care what anybody thinks of him.

On the morning of August 6, 1926, Gertrude Ederle stood in her bathing suit on the beach at Cape Gris-Nez, France, and faced the churning waves of the English Channel. Twenty-one miles across the perilous waterway, the English coastline beckoned. Lyrical text, stunning illustrations and fascinating back matter put the reader right alongside Ederle in her bid to be the first woman to swim the Channel—and contextualizes her record-smashing victory as a defining moment in sports history. Time line, bibliography, source notes.

How the climate crisis changed one woman's life: “Stunningly beautiful . . . I found myself laughing out loud on one page and brushing away tears on the next.” —Ruth Ozeki, author of A Tale for the Time Being Climate change is alarming and complicated. Governments are acting too slowly or not at all, and not enough people feel informed or empowered enough to demand action. But ignoring a catastrophe of such magnitude is a certain path to disaster. The Big Swim puts forward the idea that personal growth arises from facing both inner tensions and threats to the biosphere. In a collection of stories that is frequently touching, surprisingly funny, and always thought-provoking, Carrie Saxifrage seeks out the places where science meets self-discovery, inviting us to join her as she: Learns the art of appreciation from an ancient jawbone Hikes solo through the wilderness to find balance in a field of blueberries Swims for four hours through cold, open water, seeking a fleeting state of grace Each of the stories in The Big Swim encourages possibilities for greater personal satisfaction with lower environmental impacts. While exploring significant topics, such as sustainable forestry, nature-centered philosophy, or First Nations’ culture, the author discovers that the greatest adventure is learning to align how she lives with what she loves. By turning her own despair into action, she paves the way for us all to discover the many tools we have at hand to meet the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced.

Explores the nature and appeal of swimming, from the history of the strokes to aspects of modern Olympic competition, as well as the author's personal experiences and milestones in the sport.

Aktil, a young mouse, sets out to swim the English Channel. Helped by a mackerel and a seagull, he reaches France, and becomes a true Channel hero.

What happens when Rosie, Ben, and Max go to the beach? They want to swim, but it is very windy, and the waves are too big. What does Grandpa do? Read and Imagine provides great stories to read and enjoy, with language support, activities, and projects. Follow Rosie, Ben, and Grandpa on their exciting adventures . . .

A practical guide to "narrative thinking," and why it matters in a world defined by data.