Heart of a Champion

August 1, 2012

Gr 4-8-This motivational biography vividly recounts the extraordinary accomplishments of the gymnast and describes the empowering faith that helped her follow her career path. Guided by her personal motto, "D-3: Determination, Dedication, and Desire," Dawes won three Olympic medals and multiple national and world championships. She was the first African American national gymnastics champion and the first black woman of any nationality to win Olympic gold in gymnastics, as a member of the 1996 "Magnificent Seven." During her 18 years of training and competition, she displayed remarkable talent, resilience after mistakes and injuries, and a relentless commitment to perfection. When her gymnastics career ended at age 23, she had to decide what to do with her life. She has found her niche in sports media and as a spokesperson for the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition; Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative; and recreational opportunities for youth with disabilities. Through personal interviews, periodicals, websites, and photos, Washburn focuses on the principles and religious faith that have guided Dawes's life. Surprisingly little information is provided about her family and the challenges she may have faced as an African American gymnast. This purposeful biography is informative and engaging and carries a clear message about faith-based inspiration and guidance.-Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2012
Grades 5-8 Dominique Dawes enjoyed an impressively long career in gymnastics, a sport not known for athletic longevity. She competed in three Olympic games and was one of two women to be the first African American to medal in gymnastics. She was also a member of the celebrated Magnificent Seven, the team that won the gold medal in Atlanta in 1996 over the dominant Russian and Romanian squads. Dawes was 23 for her final Olympic games in Sydney in 2000, an unheard-of age to compete in elite gymnastics. Yet this Zonderkidz Biography title is more than just a litany of amazing accomplishments on the gym floor. Washburn offers up many of Dawes' less illustrious moments to stand in contrast to her amazing achievements, including disappointing performances at World Championships, a brief stint on Broadway, and her search for a lasting and fulfilling career. Expressed through Dawes' worldviewthat God has a grand plan and that prayer is powerfulthe book's message is that perseverance is key.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)