Back of Book:
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
My Review:
This is the type of story that makes a reader cheer along with Jabari as he jumps off the diving board. This book does a beautiful job of showing children what bravery look likes. The story begins with Jabari being slightly scared to jump. As the story progresses, Jabari gets more and more courage. The story is a great read to introduce growth mindset to children. Jabari also shows readers that sometimes a challenge can end in a surprise. I love that the entire family is involved in watching Jabari jump. This is a great addition to any diverse booklist. I am looking forward to sharing it with my students.
Ages 5 and up
32 Pages
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