Chasing The Hoodie (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798255521845)

Chasing the Hoodie

Ten-year-old Gwen Rivers still loves the water-but now it's not just about swimming fast or laughing between lengths. When Coach Jess forms a new swim club, bringing together swimmers from across schools, everything feels bigger: more lanes, more pressure, and a lot more people to compare yourself to.

With official times, rankings, and Counties on the horizon, the squad isn't just a team anymore-it's a pathway. Some swimmers make it look effortless. Some chase every second. Some seem to belong there straight away.

Gwen isn't so sure she does.

With Lily and Bea beside her (mostly), Alfie keeping things chaotic, Owen chasing big goals, and new teammates changing the dynamic, Gwen has to find her place again. As the clock starts to matter more, she begins to wonder-when did swimming stop being fun?

Because getting a time is one thing.

But learning how to swim properly-and still love it-that's something else.

Chasing the Hoodie is a warm, funny, emotionally honest story about pressure, comparison, friendship, and rediscovering joy in something you care about. Perfect for early chapter-book readers, swim families, and anyone learning that growing stronger doesn't always feel easy.

A relatable story about pressure and self-doubt
Celebrates progress, not just performance
Humour that balances the seriousness of competition
A realistic introduction to competitive sport pathways
Strong friendship dynamics under pressure
Encourages resilience and emotional awareness
Perfect for developing confident readers

Kids who:

• are moving from fun sport into more competitive levels
• compare themselves to others
• feel pressure to improve or "keep up"
• enjoy friendship-focused stories with humour

Parents & teachers who want:

• stories about handling pressure in a healthy way
• discussions around confidence, identity, and comparison
• positive coaching and growth mindset themes

Libraries & bookstores wanting:

• engaging early chapter fiction with sports progression
• relatable characters facing realistic challenges
• stories that balance humour, emotion, and development