Tumbling
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4.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Join five elite gymnasts as they face unparalleled pressures to achieve their Olympic ambitions in this young adult novel.
“Completely gripping. I felt like I had a front row seat to the Olympic Trials.”—Miranda Kenneally, author of Catching Jordan
5 gymnasts. One goal.
Grace lives and breathes gymnastics—but no matter how hard she pushes herself, she can never be perfect enough.
Leigh, Grace’s best friend, has it all: a gymnastics career, a normal high-school life . . . and a secret that could ruin everything.
Camille wants to please her mom, wants to please her boyfriend, and most of all, wants to walk away.
Wilhelmina was denied her Olympic dream four years ago, and she won’t let anything stop her again. No matter what.
Monica is terrified. Nobody believes in her—and why should they?
By the end of the two days of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, some of these girls will be stars. Some will be going home with nothing. And all will have their lives changed forever.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Carter (My Best Friend, Maybe) takes readers into the competitive heart of elite gymnastics as five athletes fight for a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Set over two days, the story follows the girls' progress as they risk damaging their friendships, bodies, and reputations in order to be chosen. Third-person narration shifts attention among Grace, a half-Chinese world champ coached by her domineering father; tiny, "mousy" Monica, a long-shot struggling with self-confidence; Camille, the comeback kid who questions her commitment; African-American Wilhelmina, the veteran who wants a last chance at Olympic glory; and Leigh, who worries about the public finding out that she is gay. The girls have depth and heart, revealing insecurities and vulnerabilities, but also an unsurpassed determination to succeed. Through them, Carter skillfully showcases the extreme pressure gymnasts are under and the lengths they will go to win. Gymnastics-lovers of all ages will eagerly soak up this intimate look at the sport as these athletes attempt to stick their landings, gain favor with the intimidating judges, and dominate the leaderboard. Ages 12 up.
