The Easy Part of Impossible by Sarah Tomp
Published by HarperTeen on April 21, 2020
ISBN: 0062898280
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

High school senior Ria is feeling lost after getting kicked off her diving team. Benny, her coach, refused to keep her after she had an accident at her last meet and refused to dive. We learn through Ria’s interactions with Benny that he has been physically abusing her. She struggles to get to a place where she can acknowledge that what he’s been doing is wrong. She eventually finds a way to cope with all her feelings by getting to know and going caving with Cotton, a childhood classmate. Cotton, with issues of his own, and Ria help each other deal with their fears. It’s incredibly uncomfortable to follow Ria along this journey, as the reader seems to realize the abuse before she does. It’s a grim look into the relationship between a coach and an athlete. The author showcases just how difficult it can be to get out of an abusive relationship or situation. Ria and Cotton get a hopeful ending, leaving the reader feeling good overall.  Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library