Gold Medal Summer

April 30, 2012
Joey Jordan, 14, craves one thing: to win gold at the Regionals gymnastics meet this summer, and she’s willing to go against her parents’ wishes and give up a “normal” teenage life to do it. But Joey’s competitiveness falters when her best friend, Alex, decides to quit gymnastics, and a cute boy from her past shows up and wants to hang out. In her first middle-grade novel, YA author and PW contributor Freitas (The Survival Kit) offers young readers plenty to relate to: living in the shadow of a perfect older sibling, battling with parents over life’s choices, and handling insecurities that make it seem like failure is looming large. Her story also focuses intently on gymnastics: its demanding training, the rivalries between competitors, and the challenges of a sport that requires physicality, grace, and showmanship. It’s a predictable but enjoyable story of a girl overcoming obstacles to realize her dreams, and for readers who have dreamed of trying out the balance beam or uneven bars, Joey’s story will be captivating. Ages 9–12. Agent: Miriam Altshuler, Miriam Altshuler Literary Agency.

May 1, 2012
Freitas, who brought readers the delightfully feisty protagonist of The Possibilities of Sainthood (2008), is back with another determined young teen facing challenge. Joey is a first-rate gymnast who has never actually won gold, but not for want of trying. Now she's faced with training hard through the summer for Regionals. That would be okay, because she adores her sport, but good-looking Tanner has moved back to town, becoming a major distraction, and her best friend Alex is considering dropping out of training to spend more time with her new boyfriend. Joey's parents, burned out after years of watching her older sister compete--often in pain from injuries--support her gymnastics training financially but frequently undermine the 13-year-old's determination to persevere. (This is not completely credible, however, since they are otherwise involved with their children.) Joey's very serious first-person narration is believable, and her cautious exploration of a budding relationship with Tanner rings true. Gymnastics routines are described using terminology that will only be familiar to gymnasts, adding authenticity to Joey's voice; a spread of step-by-step illustrations of some of the skills helps clarify Joey's descriptions of her routines. Talented young athletes will recognize and applaud Joey's zeal; others might wish she could broaden her focus. A sports story that handsprings away from romance and toward a commendable joy in accomplishment. (Fiction. 10-14)

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June 1, 2012

Gr 5-8-Elite gymnast Joey, 13, is willing to do anything to compete with the best. Although she's not the most powerful gymnast, her artistic expression and winning personality make her a standout, as long as her hang-ups, including taunts from rival Sarah, don't undo her concentration. Even a budding relationship with a former childhood friend must take a backseat to daily hours-long competition. Frustrated with Coach Angelo's refusal to allow her to tweak her routines to showcase her strengths, Joey secretly works with the assistant coach, Maureen, and older sister Julia, once a National Champion, on new routines for the New England regional competition. Although the ending may be a bit predictable, it is satisfying. Joey is likable and believable; even readers unfamiliar with gymnastics will identify with her friendship and first-relationship issues. Due to this year's London Olympics, this novel will probably have a wide audience. Freitas is a former competitive gymnast, and her descriptions of routines are taut and eye-opening. Although the hardships of the sport are not underplayed, this is a largely positive novel about hard work and self-confidence.-Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2012
Grades 5-8 Fourteen-year-old Joey Jordan accepts the demands of gymnastics: grueling practices, the necessity for intense focus, and a promise to avoid boys. She's hopeful she can finally medal at this summer's regional competition, but she's afraid the program her coach has chosen for her doesn't maximize her strengths. Further complicating matters, Joey's best friend quits the sport; her parents aren't especially supportive of her goals; and a former friend, Tanner, returns to town looking very cute. Former competitive gymnast Freitas writes knowingly of the requirements of this sport and never sugarcoats descriptions of competing through injury, confidence-destroying snide remarks from competitors, and seemingly cruel ultimatums from coaches. Joey opts to remain in her sport, and her confrontation with her coach is successful because she has matured emotionally. Subplots involving Joey's sister (who quit the sport at 15) and a helpful assistant coach are also well integrated. A cut above the usual sports series fare, this makes a good choice for gymnastic fans not quite ready for Joshua C. Cohen's Leverage (2011).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)