Breathing Underwater -- Abbey Lee Nash, Hardcover

With one word, Tess's world could be completely undone:
Epilepsy.

Tess lives for swimming: the feel of the pool's rough edge on her toes, the snap of cold water on her skin, and the push of her limbs ever forward. In the water, she's truly alive.

Until tragedy strikes. And Tess is left navigating a summer of doctor visits, missed swim practices, a newly distant best friend, and a job stuck behind a counter--not sitting high in the lifeguard chair like every season before.

Instead, her spot goes to new guy Charlie. Although his messy hair and laid-back demeanor catch Tess's attention, this isn't really the time. She's got to focus on getting back in the pool--and on getting back to herself.

Lyrically and sensitively written, Breathing Underwater is a slice-of-life story with depth, exploring topics like epilepsy, inclusivity in student athletics, changing friendships, and the power of love and community. With warmth and wit, Abbey Lee Nash has crafted a moving portrait of a teen girl's journey to self-acceptance and life on her own terms.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Author: Abbey Lee Nash
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 03/05/2024
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.61lbs
Size: 8.35h x 5.67w x 1.02d
ISBN: 9780823453863
Age Range: 13-17

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 12/04/2023
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2024
School Library Journal 02/01/2024 pg. 103

About the Author
Abbey Nash holds an MA in English from Arcadia University. She lives with her husband and two daughters outside of Philadelphia, where she works as a senior marketing writer in the healthcare industry. A former writing teacher, she enjoys leading creative writing workshops, and has presented at SCBWI events, the National Council of Teachers of English, as well as schools and universities. When she's not writing, or talking about writing, you can find her reading, spending time with her family, or walking her highly opinionated Australian Shepherd. Breathing Underwater is her second novel. You can learn more about her work at www.abbeynash.com.