The Big Splash [Julia on the Go!]
by Angela Ahn; illus. by Julie Kim
Primary, Intermediate    Tundra    176 pp.
2/25    9781774882078    $12.99
e-book ed.  9781774882085    $7.99

Picking up right where Swimming into Trouble (rev. 3/24) left off, the story finds Julia Nam, having recovered from her ear infection, back in the water, preparing for a regional swim meet. When Coach Marissa takes a leave of absence because of a family health emergency, a new coach steps in. Julia is sure that Coach Nathan “was the angriest, shoutiest swimming coach that the Vancouver Vipers had ever had.” His harsh and commanding coaching style, bitter tone of voice, and sour facial expressions cause several swimmers to leave the team, including Julia’s best friend. She becomes closer to Olivia, who she previously thought was unfriendly but now realizes is a lot of fun. Julia suspects that she needs to look differently at things she doesn’t like and ultimately realizes that she jumped to negative conclusions about Coach Nathan. Black-and-white illustrations help bring the swim team, coach drama, and friend dynamics to life. A lighthearted story that challenges readers to look deeper and see what’s beneath the surface.

From the March/April 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.