Deep Water - by Jamie Sumner

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Tully's attempt to swim across Lake Tahoe after a heartbreaking loss and become the youngest person to complete the famous "Godfather" swim takes a dangerous turn, forcing her to choose between safety and a win that could change everything. Told in verse format.

Book Synopsis

"Readers will feel every wave of Tully's emotions as she risks everything to try to get her mom's attention. A powerful novel in verse." --Lisa Fipps, author of Printz Honor book Starfish

A middle grade novel in verse that "packs a powerful punch" (Kirkus Reviews) from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner that spans one girl's marathon swim over twelve miles and six hours, calling her mom back home with every stroke.

Six hours.
One marathon swim.

That's all Tully Birch needs to get her life straightened out. With the help of her best friend, Arch, Tully braves the waters of Lake Tahoe to break the record for the youngest person ever to complete the famous "Godfather swim." She wants to achieve something no one in the world has done, because if she does, maybe, just maybe, her mom will come back.

The swim starts off well--heart steady, body loose, Arch in charge of snacks as needed. But for Tully, all that time alone with her thoughts allows memories to surface. And in the silence of deep waters, sadness can sink you. When the swim turns dangerous, Tully fights for her survival. Does she keep going and risk her own safety and Arch's? Or does she quit to save them both, even if it means giving up hope that her mother will return?

Review Quotes

★ "This touching and deeply affecting novel takes on difficult topics such as maternal abandonment and codependency and gives readers a peek into the feelings and thoughts that underpin childhood trauma."--Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW

★ "Sumner sensitively maps a troubled relationship . . . The author vividly renders the extreme efforts required to finish the long swim, giving Tully's inner progress like length and depth . . . Readers will be swept up in the currents and undercurrents."--Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

"Packs a powerful punch."--Kirkus Reviews

"Each mile not only propels the race forward but delves deeper into Tully's life story, drawing readers into her struggles and emotions. . . A wonderful read that will resonate with athletes, those navigating family challenges, and even reluctant readers; a strong addition to all middle grade library collections." --School Library Journal

"[In] this carefully crafted verse novel . . . Sumner compassionately examines the effects that living with a parent managing mental health challenges can have on a child."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Jamie Sumner is the author of Roll with It, Time to Roll, Rolling On, Tune It Out, One Kid's Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, and Schooled. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.