Dive - by John David Anderson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the beloved author of Posted comes a powerful, poignant, and unexpected coming-of-age story about the rules in life that box us in--and the determination it takes to break out. Now in paperback!

From the moment Kassandra Conner leaps from the diving board to the moment she hits the water, everything feels in control.

The rest of her life does not.

St. Lawrence Academy is supposed to have everything Kass's old school didn't: safe hallways, small classes, and, most important, a chance to dive. But since transferring, all Kass can think about is what's missing. Like her best friend, Aleah, who's starting to pull away. Or the comfortable life so many of her classmates enjoy while Kass's family's restaurant struggles to stay afloat. Even the excitement she always felt in the pool, now that she's on the same team as Amber Moore--the best diver in the state, who's barely said two words to her all year.

Kass feels like she's drowning, until she meets a boy named Miles. He's a diver, too--someone who searches through dumpsters in the posh side of town for things he can salvage or sell. Miles knows what it's like to be boxed in by things you can't control, and as Kass spends more and more time with him, she starts to wonder what would happen if she tried to break out of her own box--and what she might lose by doing so.

Review Quotes

"In this heartfelt, emotionally complex story, Anderson expertly depicts Kass's desire to break free from overwhelming expectations both internal and external. An underlying current of hope balances the novel's profound depictions of the protagonist's need for connection, understanding, and acceptance." - Publishers Weekly

"Irreverent teenage humor blends with reflective third-person narration to create a cast of genuine-feeling characters. Anderson gives his characters room to make mistakes but also to grow, experience consequences, and forgive. A well-written, introspective story about the assumptions people make and the journey to belonging." - Kirkus Reviews

"[An] absorbing story about a girl who is struggling to find her way." - Booklist (starred review)

"Anderson reliably p-rovides thoughtful stories, and Dive fits right in." - School Library Journal