Caterpillars Can't Swim
by Liane Shaw
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Mar 06 2018 | Archive Date May 16 2019
Description
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"In Caterpillars Can’t Swim, [Liane Shaw] examines the prejudices people exert on those who are different – whether those differences are perceived or real – and crafts a plot that ensures understanding and acceptance.... By casting Ryan, whose cerebral palsy defines him for so many, in the role of hero, Shaw changes up the expected narrative." - Quill & Quire
"A thought-provoking and compelling narrative that teenage fans of character-driven books will definitely enjoy." - CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781772600537 |
| PRICE | $13.95 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Amy F, Reviewer
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM in exchange for my honest review.**
GRADE: B+
In a wheelchair due to CP, Ryan is the unlikely rescuer when his classmate Jack jumps from a bridge into the river. His best friend Cody, who lacks a filter, doesn't understand the friendship developing between the two, especially with the rumors that Jack is gay. The unlikely trio travel to Comic Con, with Ryan hopeful he can keep his friends from killing each other, figuratively.
Liane Shaw, also a teacher, has a great way of getting into the heads of some of the stressors teenagers experience. All of her books are worthwhile reads. CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM is a true gem encompassing such themes as disability, LGBT, bullying, suicide/depression, family and dating. I read the book in one sitting, rooting for Jack and Ryan, and even Cody to a lesser extent.
Shaw created three diverse, complex main characters. I love that she made Jack's sexual orientation somewhat ambiguous that didn't fit into a box. He was gay, liked makeup and women's clothes, but wasn't transsexual or as Ryan asked, transvestite. Cody's handling of Jack's orientation grew incrementally from homophobic to understanding.
CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM, and all of Shaw's books are important fixtures in realistic YA fiction.
Linda J, Librarian
This book is about so much more than friendship, or the difficulties of being in a wheelchair, or being gay. It is about acceptance - self-acceptance and acceptance from others. The characters each struggle with who they are and how others view them. I really liked the boys and felt deeply their struggles with life's most difficult situations. Well done.
Kimberley T, Reviewer
I went into reading this book without reading the blurb. I was completely sold on the cover alone (I know, never judge a book etc). But I'm so happy I was. I'm not sure I would have read this had I known what it was about. However, upon reading it I was so happy I did. It's beautiful, touching and the characters were fantastic. Ryan and Jack were so beautifully described and portrayed. Some hard-hitting and emotional topics were covered so respectfully, and I felt so lovely after reading this. One of my favourite books this year.
Andrea C, Librarian
This was such a touching, honest book about real boys and their real lives. I felt drawn into the story immediately and couldn't put the book down until I knew how it ended. There was so much growth and understanding as well as a dose of reality for what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or gay in an unaccepting place. Throughout the hard and emotional times there was also a lot of laughter and smiles. This was a touching quick read.
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