“Johnnie connected so strongly with 85 children at the same time. Everyone was in awe of his skill while drawing and sharing. It was truly magical watching the children’s eye light up and rush to the front of the room to speak to him after the event.” — Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, 2024
“Johnnie Christmas took the time to speak with each attendee as he signed their book, and even provided the opportunity for attendees to join him on stage to draw their own graphic novel panels.” — Virginia Beach Public Library, 2024
“Our library system had the pleasure of hosting Johnnie for two virtual visits — one school visit and one library book club event for attendees of all ages. Johnnie’s presentations were informative, inclusive, and, most importantly, fun! He offered insightful commentary on his beginnings as an illustrator and gave attendees a peek behind the scenes of his creative process. Johnnie particularly shined during the Q&A portion, encouraging attendees to see their creative endeavors through and find inspiration all around them.” — Orange County Library, 2024
“Combines wonderful characters and history to create a story that will make you want to dive right in!” — Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Award–winning New Kid
“A revelation! You’ll root for Swim Team—the water is just right.” — John Jennings, New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award–winning creator
“Swim Team is a beautiful story about trying new things. Johnnie Christmas is a fantastic storyteller and artist.” — Kazu Kibuishi, author of Amulet
“Full of charm, heart, and pulse-pounding races. A winner!” — Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese and Dragon Hoops
“This graphic novel belongs on shelves in school and libraries everywhere.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A powerful, knowledgeable, and pressing exploration of the intersection where swimming meets Black identity. Empowerment through swimming and swim team is well-embodied in Bree, a smart, perseverant, anxious kid who readers will embrace instantly. The friendly and familiar style of Christmas’ linework pours out into some true artistry.” — Booklist (starred review)
Challenging the idea that “Black people aren’t good at swimming,” this middle grade debut from Christmas (the Angel Catbird series, for adults) details segregation’s generational impact through a warmhearted story of community, Black diasporic identity, and learning, all portrayed in kinetic contemporary art. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Problem-solving through perseverance and friendship is the real win in this deeply smart and inspiring story.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“This enjoyable graphic novel deals with familiar and middle-grade-appropriate themes of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming fears. The accessible illustrations add to the humorous (and sometimes serious) moments within the text.” — Horn Book Magazine
“Questions of belonging, ability, racial justice and who gets to swim are handled with thought and care…its nuanced storytelling and visual appeal will have outsize reach and meaning beyond this age group.” — New York Times
“This energetic, heartfelt graphic novel captures the joys and challenges of a sport that should be—but hasn’t always been—freely enjoyed by everyone.” — Book Page
