The Storm Swimmer is one of those books that leaves you thinking. Read in just a couple of sittings, I found myself completely wrapped up in Ginika’s story. Why do her parents have to send her to stay with her grandparents in Cumbria? What kind of trouble are they in? Will Ginika make any friends at her summer home? Will she be able to go back to London before she moves to secondary school in September? And, most importantly, who is this unusual boy who emerges from the waves?
When Ginika meets Peri, everything changes. Despite their differences, they quickly form an unbreakable bond. They are connected in a way that goes beyond simple friendship. As they discover each other’s worlds, Ginika learns much about acceptance, bravery and the meaning of freedom. She sees how others struggle to overcome difficulty and sometimes fail to thrive in new environments. In doing so, she learns much about herself. What does she need to do to thrive? How can she find her place as a “fish out of water”? What will it take for her to be free?
Readers are also challenged about the impact of plastic pollution and overstimulating technology. Peri is so sensitive to these dangers infiltrating his natural world. We are pushed to question our choices and think about how our actions impact those who share the Earth.
Grandpa is a wonderful character. He knows about the legend of the sea people of Bridleways Bay but allows Ginika to discover it for herself. Always watching, always caring, he deperately wants her to be happy but knows she needs to find her own way.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Liz Scott for this engaging book!
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Books by Kate Heap:
Scope for Imagination 