Sakamoto's Swim Club

Sakamoto's Swim Club

$19.99 Sale Save

The inspirational and little-known story of a dedicated teacher who coached Hawaiian swimmers all the way to the Olympics, beautifully told in simple rhyme.

When the children of workers on a 1930s Maui sugar plantation were chased away from playing in the nearby irrigation ditches, local science teacher Soichi Sakamoto had an idea. He offered to take responsibility for the children — and then he began training them how to swim. Using his science background, Sakamoto devised his own innovative coaching techniques: he developed a strict practice regime for the kids, building their strength and endurance by using the ditch water’s natural current. The children worked hard under the dedicated Sakamoto’s guidance, and their skills improved. They formed a swim club and began to dominate in swimming events around the world. And then one day, the proud Sakamoto saw an impossible dream come true — Olympic gold!

In a unique approach that makes for a moving read-aloud, Julie Abery uses limited rhyming text to tell the little-known story of Coach Sakamoto and the Three-Year Swim Club. The stunning art of award-winning and highly acclaimed Chris Sasaki perfectly complements the lyrical storytelling. This inspiring picture book offers excellent lessons in perseverance, believing in yourself and not letting others define you, while wonderfully capturing how one person can make a huge difference in the lives of others. In highlighting the team’s “bright and loud” presence at events, with their Hawaiian dress and ukulele, it also encourages children to take pride in their heritage and view it as a strength. An author’s note with photos and more information tell the fuller story of Soichi Sakamoto and his Three-Year Swim Club.

Ages 5-8
Hardcover

SHIPPING RATES

CANADA

Estimated arrival 1-5 business days.

CAD $12 standard shipping to all provinces except NU, NT, and YT, and free shipping to all provinces except NU, NT, and YT on orders over CAD $200 before tax.

CAD $15 standard shipping to the provinces of NU, NT, and YT, and free shipping on orders over CAD $300.

CAD $25 2 DAY EXPEDITED shipping to all provinces except NU, NT, and YT. CAD $35 EXPEDITED shipping to the provinces of NU, NT and YT.

Local pickup option is available at checkout during store business hours (if you need to pick up your order outside of store hours, please email us at hello@parkette.ca and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs). An email will be sent when your order is ready for pickup. Please have your order confirmation email with you when you come. 

UNITED STATES

Estimated arrival 2 business days.
CAD $25 standard shipping.

EUROPE

Estimated arrival 3-7 business days.
CAD $35 standard shipping. 

Please contact us at hello@parkette.ca for international shipping outside of the US and Europe, or if you require expedited international shipping. We will do our best to meet your needs. For more details on shipping, please refer to our Shipping & Returns page here.

Some items have non-standard dimensions and may incur additional shipping charges. If needed, we will contact you after your purchase to inform you.

RETURNS

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Please contact us at hello@parkette.ca with your request before returning an item. We will provide you with a return authorization number. A return authorization number must be included in your return. All returned purchases will either be issued a store credit or exchange minus the initial shipping charge. We are a small family-owned business and unfortunately cannot offer any refunds at this time.

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