Twelve-year-old Natalia de la Cruz Rivera y Santiago, aka Nat, has a successful side hustle at the local Boyle Heights pool out-swimming neighborhood kids who doubt her athleticism. Her summer plans of making easy money and reading manga with her best friend, Joanne, change once she sees the LA Mermaids perform. The moment they emerge out of the water in matching sequined swimsuits and Nat sees that the team is made up of women of all sizes and shades, synchronized swimming steals her heart. The problem? Her activist mom and professor dad are dead set against her joining a sport that's essentially a "pageant in the water." Nat won't give up that easily, though. Growing up as the youngest of four, she knows how to fight for what she wants. She'll just secretly try out for the LA Mermaids, and after she's been a member for a few weeks, her parents will see how dedicated she is. But as the expensive dues and lies to her family pile up, Nat will have to face that maybe she can't have it all. Barely Floating explores what it means to sparkle in your skin, build community with those who lift you up, and keep floating when waters get rough. -- Provided by bookflap.