John Rocco is the author and illustrator of several books
for children, including Blackout, a Caldecott Honor Book. He also
illustrated The Flint Heart by Katherine and John Paterson and Rick
Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. John Rocco lives
in Los Angeles.
Jay Primiano is a poet, performer, and most recently,
children’s book author. Like his co-author, John Rocco, Jay
Primiano was raised on fishing boats. He started working on a
commercial lobster boat when he was eleven years old and still has
a deep connection to the waters of Rhode Island, where he spends
much of his free time teaching his daughters how to catch dinner.
He lives in Jamestown, Rhode Island.
An affable coming-of-age novel… Jake’s voice is credible and
appealing. Particularly touching is his developing relationship
with Darcy, a waitress who swears long sleeves to conceal her arms,
one of which is badly burned. Darcy’s scars, like Jake’s
ungainliness, can be read as any flaw that preoccupies an
ill-at-ease teenager. But their story offers a way toward
self-acceptance.
—The New York Times Book Review
Swim That Rock is a brilliantly crafted page-turner and
heartwarming story of friendship and family – full of storms,
mystery, danger, mobsters, and even the odd pirate. Like the New
England quahoggers in their novel, John Rocco and Jay Primiano know
how to bring the boat in full. Humor, adventure, wonderful
characters, stakes that matter, and a setting so lovingly described
you can taste the salt in the air – Swim That Rock is a rare
catch.
—Rick Riordan
Jake and his friends are extremely likable and the teen characters
are all well-developed. This is a well-written and exciting action
and adventure story that will be sure to please middle school boys
who are looking for an engaging read. Rocco and Primiano have
written a novel that will appeal, so be sure to hand it to all your
male readers.
—Library Media Connection
The rich imagery of life in a fishing town, combined with action
that primarily revolves around intense quahogging expeditions,
makes this a refreshingly unique read.
—School Library Journal
Landlubbers who think they won’t give a rip for a novel about
clamming have another think coming. ... Like all good maritime
novels, this one will have landlocked kids pining for a strong gust
of salt spray.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Readers will be hooked by the exciting opening scene as a hurricane
rips the shore and Captain takes Jake out on the dangerous waters
to pirate motors from sinking boats. With a lushly detailed sense
of place and character, the story delineates the struggle of a boy
coming to terms with his situation.
—The Horn Book
[An] entertaining coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of
the New England fishing industry. ... Steeped in atmosphere and
rich in detail, this adventure captures the salt in the air as well
as the omnipresent ticking deadline. ... Jack's struggle is easily
relatable thanks to deft characterizations and an overall sense of
authenticity.
—Publishers Weekly
[T]he distinct, clearly realized setting details distinguish this
title from the vast schools of novels for young teens swimming in
the publishing sea... Fills the bill for teens looking for an
atypical action adventure.
—Kirkus Reviews
Jake’s willingness to work wicked hard on both sides of the law to
remain part of his Narragansett Bay community is vividly
conveyed... The coauthors incorporate autobiographical elements,
which lend the tale’s cast and setting a salty authenticity.
—Booklist
The authors, both experienced quahoggers, capture the hard labor
and satisfaction of working on the water. Teen readers will get
caught up in the danger, action and hint of romance in this novel
vividly set in the Ocean State.
—The Providence Journal
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