Float, Vol. 1

Gr 7 Up–Not quite enemies-to-lovers and not quite friends-to-lovers, but somewhere in between. Based on Marchant’s novel of the same name, readers follow Waverly Lyons as she navigates a completely different world when she is forced to leave her Alaska home to stay with her aunt in Florida for the summer. Florida is the polar opposite of her normal day-to-day, and it seems like all the local kids care about is the beach, partying, and drama. Like a riptide, Waverly is pulled into the local drama of her cute neighbor, Blake, who she may have a crush on; her new coworker and friend, Lena; Lena’s twin brother; and Blake’s ex-girlfriend. But Waverly harbors another secret that seems to make her a social pariah: she doesn’t know how to swim, and only Blake is aware. Though Waverly wishes he would take a special interest in her and hopes that is why he is offering to teach her to swim, his only reason seems to be that, as a lifeguard, it’s his duty. Or is it? The illustrations, like the story, are flowy and fun. Full-color artwork bursts off the pages with summery hues. A perfect pick for fans of Victoria Grace Elliot’s Please Be My Star and Andi Porretta’s Ready or Not.