Dive by John David Anderson -- Blog Tour

 

I almost can't believe it -- but this is the twelfth book by John David Anderson that I've featured on my blog! That's a full dozen fabulous middle grade novels I've thoroughly enjoyed.

Be sure to look at the end of this post for links to information about his other wonderful titles. There is so much variety in genre and style, I know you'll find another gem to add to your TBR list. 

ABOUT DIVE -- Publisher's blurb: 

From John David Anderson, the beloved author of Posted comes a powerful, poignant, and unexpected upper middle grade novel about the rules in life that box us in and the determination to break out. From the moment Kassandra Connor leaps from the diving board to the moment she hits the water, everything feels in control.

The rest of her life does not. St. Lawrence Academy is supposed to have everything Kass’s old school didn’t: safe hallways, small classes, and most important, a chance to dive. But since transferring, all Kass can think about is what’s missing. Like her best friend, Aleah, who’s starting to pull away. Or the comfortable life so many of her classmates enjoy while Kass’s family’s restaurant struggles to stay afloat. Even the excitement she always felt in the pool, now that she’s on the same team as Amber Moore—the best diver in the state, who’s barely said two words to her all year.

Kass feels like she’s drowning, until she meets a boy named Miles. He’s a diver, too—someone who searches through dumpsters in the posh side of town for things he can salvage or sell. Miles knows what it’s like to be boxed in by things you can’t control, and as Kass spends more and more time with him, she starts to wonder what would happen if she tried to break out of her own box—and what she might lose by doing so.

My Thoughts:

"Somewhere between perfect and worthless" (p. 2)

Oh, if that isn't a phrase that can crush the heart. A phrase so many middle school students know all too well. A phrase so many parents know all too well. Yet, also, a phrase that is just honestly ... true. None of us are perfect. None of us are worthless. 

So, indeed, we are all somewhere in between and we all spend time in so many in-between places. Any reader who picks up Dive will be able to see themselves in Kass. She's not quite sure where she fits, and she makes mistakes along the way. She's strong, curious, and kind. She's observant, and she's brave. 

I dove into this book and didn't come up for air until the satisfying ending. (Shhhh.... I know what I did there.) Definitely make a point of grabbing this middle grade novel for your classroom or the readers in your life.

Hand this book to...

-- athletes, artists, and those who are both

-- fans of realistic fiction

-- students struggling to fit in after a move to a new school

-- those who love good food and/or are interested in the restaurant business (I absolutely wanted to make or at least eat a few things after reading about food Kass and her dad made. Scotch Eggs, Omelettes with pineapple and prosciutto, and Mexican calzones topped the list.)  

Overarching Theme Close to My Heart:

 -- Leading with Curiosity -- Curiosity is an innate drive that often declines as we get older. Being curious is a vital way to stay interested in the world around us and always be open to learning. Curiosity is also important in building healthy relationships. If you are looking for a way to build empathy and avoid the assumption trap, Kass is a wonderful example. She reminds herself often that it is important to not just look, but to really look CAREFULLY at what is around her. That is just as true for trash cans and dumpsters as it is for the people who surround her. 

Curiosity Connection:

Obviously, there is a huge focus on the art and sport of diving. There are so many rabbit holes that a reader could DIVE into. 

** What aspects of physics and motion impact having the perfect dive? 

** How do the types of diving boards change what you can do in a dive? 

** There are several Olympic divers with fascinating stories mentioned in the book. One is Marjorie Gestring -- who won a gold medal in Berlin during the 1936 games! She was only 13 at the time, and was the youngest ever woman Olympic champion.  

There is a great discussion guide, too! It includes some vocabulary, suggested questions for each chapter, and ways to extend the learning and fun.  Check it out here

John David Anderson is the author of some of the most beloved and highly acclaimed books for kids in recent memory, including the New York Times Notable Book Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, Posted, Granted, Sidekicked, and The Dungeoneers. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit him online at www.johndavidanderson.org

Other sites participating in the blog tour:

August 19.  Nerdy Book Club.  @nerdybookclub -- Post by the author!
August 20.  Teachers Who Read @teachers_read
August 21.  Maria's Melange  @mariaselke
August 22.  Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers  @grgenius
August 23.  Lit Coach Lou. @litcoachlou

Check out other books by John David Anderson that I've posted about on my blog:

Keep it Like a Secret
The Greatest Kid in the World
Homebound (sequel to Stowaway)
Stowaway
One Last Shot
Finding Orion
Granted
Posted
Dungeoneers (Q&A) . Dungeoneers (fun author post)
Sidekicked (review) . Sidekicked (fun author post)
Minion