"Sakamoto
takes a stand,
offering a
guiding hand.
He makes the case
for kids to train,
using ditch as
swimming lane."
I love reading stories that are brand new to me. I thought that, with the Olympics coming up, I would share this little-known story today. Soichi Sakamoto is one more hero whose life's work should be shared when you are thinking about adding to your picture book biography collection.
Soichi was an observant and caring science teacher living in 1930s Hawaii. As he looked out a school window, he noticed that the children of plantation workers were swimming in the drainage ditch that ran alongside. They swam; their parents worked. Whenever a policeman on horseback came near, the children would scatter. Soichi wanted to channel their enthusiasm into learning to swim. He asked for, and was given permission to teach the children.
His science background led to an innovative training regime, and a great deal of success. When the sugar company built a pool and a park, the swim team had a perfect place for their training. Their coach needed them to agree to work hard for three years in preparation for the 1940 Olympics. That hard work led to exceptional success, and much entertainment for their fans. WWII intervened, and the games did not happen. His swimmers enlisted; their dream for winning at the Olympics died. Finally in London in 1948, team member Bill Smith won gold! What a feat for a ditch swimmer from Maui, and what an honor for the man who had worked so hard to train his team.
Told in short, rhyming verse, and accompanied by telling digital artwork it makes for an excellent story to read aloud with young children. The illustrations are detailed and colorful, in keeping with the setting. An author's note is much appreciated, and a list of resources is helpful for those who want to know more about this dedicated coach and his incredible team.
Such a wonderful story! The writing is remarkable--such power in so few words.
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