About the book
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
Editions of Breathing Underwater
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780823453863
- EBook
- ISBN 9780823457410
Read an Excerpt
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breathing Underwater about?
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
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Breathing Underwater?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Disability, impairments and special needs
Where can I read a sample of Breathing Underwater?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780823453863
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Breathing Underwater?
Abbey Lee Nash
Who is the Publisher of the book Breathing Underwater?
Holiday House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Breathing Underwater is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780823453863) and ebook(ISBN 9780823457410)
Where can I buy Breathing Underwater online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Breathing Underwater from below
Where can I buy Breathing Underwater?