Swimming With Dolphins
Swimming With Dolphins by Jessie Paddock, graduate ’17, Creative Writing at The New School
Scholastic, 2020
When 12-year-old KT Wynn learns that she has to move from Iowa City to Florida, she’s distraught. Not only does she have to leave behind her best friends and the only home she’s ever known, she also has to deal with being the new kid in school. And she’s especially worried about how her wheelchair, Sprinkles, will affect things.
On the bright side, she’ll still have her big sister, Lucy, with her, and she’ll even get to see a dolphin — her favorite animal! — for the very first time. In fact, KT has always dreamed of swimming with a dolphin, and with the help of her sister, she’s determined to make it happen.
But when she meets Cola for the first time, he’s not what she expected. KT is suddenly afraid, and she’s unsure if she can swim with Cola given her disability. Will KT be able to overcome hear fear and gain the confidence to take the plunge?