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Tuesday, August 18, 2026

SWING! Written and illustrated by James Yang. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages

 


"When the match is over, we decide to play too. 
But I don't play so well. 

Missed!

Aaaaaaaaargh!

Sometimes my brain feels like it's 
bouncing, just like the tennis ball. 

I'm never going to learn the backhand."

At present, it seems that sports television is hosting yet another tennis tournament from a variety of venues on an every-day basis. I thought this would be a great time to tell you about a girl and her father who love to play tennis together. She lets the audience know that Arthur Ashe is her hero, and that her father hits a one-handed backhand just like Arthur did. She needs both hands when she is playing. 

At school while eating kimbap for lunch, Timmy asks to try it. She refuses his request. Her father reminds that Arthur Ashe would be kinder. (Readers will by now recognize Timmy, as he is seen on every spread up until now). 

The two also like to watch television when Arthur is playing; his play is a good example to follow when they practice together. Her father lets her know that she does have things in common with Arthur. He likes to help people; when Timmy asks her to help him learn how to play, she lets him know she is far too busy. She has a match to watch with her father. Watching that match helps her see that she could be a better friend to someone who shares her interest in tennis.  

Retro digital illustrations are worthy of attention, providing a look at life in the late 60s and early 70s when Arthur Ashe was at the height of his career. He was an incredible athlete; he also was a terrific role model for many other reasons. Thanks to her father's patience and her strong will to learn, the two spend many happy days together learning lessons beyond the game of tennis. 

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