The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun, by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Esme is tired of being ignored in her family.  Her three sisters are constantly getting praised by mother for the things they do.  Mom is always bragging about their accomplishments and Esme feels left out.  But it's actually Esme's fault since she's not good at anything!  It's not that she covets her sister's trophies.  Esme is ambivalent about awards and prizes, but maybe it would be good to excel at something so her Mom would notice.  Her sisters warn her that it isn't all that great of a thing, but Esme wants to try nonetheless.

This summer on the swim team seems like it just might be the thing! She's swimming much faster than she ever has before (coach says it's because of her growth spurt).  She wins her first heat, sets personal bests, and even starts to close in on a pool record.  And most of all, she's really beginning to enjoy it and the comradery with the other team members.

But being a good team member presents challenges as Esme has to negotiate through misunderstandings and friends who choose different paths.  And as Esme starts to win, she begins to question how far she is willing to go to be a champion.  She likes to win, but is it worth it if her friends have to lose?  And when her mother takes notice and starts paying attention to her, Esme discovers that there is a cost for that maternal notice and Esme isn't sure she's comfortable with paying it.

A delightful middle reader about friendship, sportsmanship, prejudice, and making life choices.  Packed full of adventure and excitement, the story plants its lessons within comfortably familiar tween settings.  The result is an enjoyable story that will resonate with its readers.