Quick Take

A novel-in-verse by about a 12-year-old Dominican American swimmer who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis.Aniana del Mar belongs in the water like a dolphin belongs to the sea. But she and Papi keep her swim practices and meets hidden from Mami, who has never recovered from losing someone she loves to the water years ago. That is, until the day Ani's stiffness and swollen joints mean she can no longer get out of bed, and Ani is forced to reveal just how important swimming is to her. Mami forbids her from returning to the water but Ani and her doctor believe that swimming along with medication will help Ani manage her disease. What follows is the journey of a girl who must grieve who she once was in order to rise like the tide and become the young woman she is meant to be.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Aniana del Mar Jumps In

Introduction

Aniana del Mar Jumps In is a middle grade novel written in verse by Jasminne Mendez. It tells the story of a 12-year-old Dominican American girl named Aniana, who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Aniana's love for swimming is a significant part of her life, but her mother has a deep-seated fear of water due to past trauma. When Aniana's condition worsens, she must confront her mother's emotional trauma and find a way to manage her disease while pursuing her passion for swimming. This novel explores themes such as disability, sports, family trauma, and standing up for one's dreams.

About Jasminne Mendez

Jasminne Mendez is a talented author who has written a multi-genre memoir titled Island of Dreams. She is also a Macondo and Canto Mundo Fellow, as well as a Voices of Our Nations Arts (VONA) alumna. Mendez's writing style is characterized by its honesty and ability to capture the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses. Her experience with autoimmune diseases and chronic pain adds depth to her portrayal of Aniana's struggles in Aniana del Mar Jumps In.

Analysis of Views

Tender and Moving: Many readers found the book to be tender and moving. They appreciated the author's ability to convey the challenges faced by Aniana and her family in a relatable and empathetic manner. The verse format allowed for a poignant portrayal of Aniana's journey, making it a compelling read for middle grade readers.
Honesty and Authenticity: Readers praised the book for its honesty and authenticity. They appreciated the author's willingness to tackle difficult topics such as chronic illness, family trauma, and cultural identity. The book's exploration of these themes resonated with readers who could relate to the characters' experiences.
Poetry as Medium: The book's verse format was well-received by readers. They found the use of poetry to be an effective medium for conveying Aniana's emotions and experiences. The different forms of poetry, including image poetry, added depth and variety to the text, making it engaging for readers of all ages.
Cultural Connection: Aniana del Mar Jumps In showcases Aniana's Hispanic heritage, which resonated with readers who appreciated the inclusion of Spanish phrases and words throughout the book. The cultural elements added depth and authenticity to the story, making it relatable to readers from diverse backgrounds.
Inspirational Message: The book's message of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity resonated with readers. Aniana's determination to manage her condition and pursue her passion for swimming served as an inspiration to readers who faced their own challenges. The book encouraged readers to find their voice and advocate for themselves, regardless of their circumstances.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: The book's engaging storytelling captivated readers from start to finish. The verse format allowed for a poetic and emotional portrayal of Aniana's journey, making it an enjoyable read for middle grade readers.
Authentic Portrayal: The book's authentic portrayal of disability, family trauma, and cultural identity resonated with readers who appreciated its honesty and relatability. The exploration of these themes added depth and significance to the story, making it a valuable addition to reading lists.
Inspirational Message: The book's message of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity inspired readers. Aniana's determination to manage her condition and pursue her passion for swimming served as an inspiration to readers who faced their own challenges. The book encouraged readers to find their voice and advocate for themselves, making it a valuable source of inspiration.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Religious Elements: Some readers expressed concerns about the religious elements present in the book, particularly regarding the mother's beliefs and involvement in a conservative church. While these elements were handled with nuance, some readers felt that they detracted from the overall message of the book or conflicted with their personal beliefs.
Lack of Resolution: A few readers felt that the book lacked a satisfying resolution or closure regarding certain aspects of the story, such as the mother's emotional trauma or Aniana's relationship with her father. While some found this realistic portrayal refreshing, others felt that it left them wanting more closure or resolution.

Conclusion

Aniana del Mar Jumps In is a poignant middle grade novel written in verse by Jasminne Mendez. It tells the story of a 12-year-old Dominican American girl named Aniana who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Through her struggles with chronic pain and her complicated relationship with her mother, Aniana learns to stand up for her dreams and find resilience in the face of adversity. The book explores themes such as disability, family trauma, sports, and cultural identity, making it a relatable and engaging read for middle grade readers. While some readers appreciated its honesty and authenticity, others found it lacking in resolution or conflicting with their personal beliefs. Overall, Aniana del Mar Jumps In is a recommended read for those seeking an inspiring story about resilience and finding one's voice amidst challenging circumstances.