At the 2012 London Olympics, Aly Raisman captured more gymnastics medals than any other American woman. In all, the perseverant athlete earned two gold medals and one silver medal. Aly’s impressive accomplishment turned her into an overnight celebrity leading to several endorsement offers and a high-profile stint on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. A children’s biography, Aly Raisman: Born to Tumble will enrapture readers longing to learn more about the hardworking gymnast who rose to become the captain of the Fierce Five.
Shawn Johnson, the young woman from Des Moines, Iowa, captivated the world at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she snagged a gold medal on the balance beam. Shawn Johnson: Gymnastics' Golden Girl chronicles the life and career of one of sport's most beloved athletes.
Discover Aly Raisman's inspiring story of dedication, perseverance, and learning to think positively even in the toughest times on her path to gold medal success in two Olympic Games—and beyond. Aly Raisman first stepped onto a gymnastics mat as a toddler in a "mommy & me" gymnastics class. No one could have predicted then that sixteen years later, she'd be standing on an Olympic podium, having achieved her dreams. Aly's road to success was full of hard work, perseverance, and victories, but not without its hardships. Aly faced many obstacles, from naysayers who said she'd never make it in gymnastics to classmates who shamed her for her athletic body to a devastating betrayal of trust. Through it all, Aly surrounded herself with supportive family, friends, and teammates and found the inner strength to remain positive and believe in herself. Now, in her own words, Aly shows what it takes to be a champion on and off the floor, and takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey before, during, and after her remarkable achievements in two Olympic Games--through her highest highs, lowest lows, and all the moments in between. Honest and heartfelt, frank and funny, Aly's story is enhanced with never-before-published photos, excerpts from the personal journals she's kept since childhood that chronicle memorable moments with her teammates, and hard-won advice for readers striving to rise above challenges, learn to love themselves, and make their own dreams come true.
Widely considered America's greatest gymnast ever, Nastia Liukin has inspired an entire generation with her brilliant technique, remarkable sportsmanship and unparalleled artistry. A children's biography, Nastia Liukin: Ballerina of Gymnastics traces the Olympic all-around champion's ascent from gifted child prodigy to queen of her sport.
A sports reporter investigates the training of girls as professional gymnasts and figure skaters, arguing that the pressure to succeed and to look beautiful results in mental and physical harm, from eating disorders to psychological trauma.
A book for young readers, Mary Lou Retton: America's Sweetheart tells the inspirational life story of the most celebrated gymnast in United States history. Discover how a young girl from West Virginia achieved her dream of winning gymnastics' all-around title at the 1984 Olympics. Includes beautiful illustrations, anecdotes from her personal life and career highlights.
Elise is a talented gymnast who enters the U.S. Gymnastics Open with just one goal: gold. Accustomed to winning, the confident athlete believes that four clean performances are the only obstacles in the way of a victory. Yet, what happens when Elise delivers perfect routines but doesn’t win? Can the disappointed gymnast accept the silver medal when she dreamed only of gold? Filled with adorable illustrations and armed with straightforward storytelling, Winning Silver stresses the importance of good sportsmanship. Anyone who has ever felt gutted by a competitive result will relate to Elise’s initial disappointment over not getting the result she expected.
The son of a former professional ball player, Mike Trout was running around a baseball diamond at the age of two. From Little League to high school, the amazing athlete constantly turned heads during his playing days in New Jersey. He then took baseball by storm in 2012 when he posted incredible stats during his first full season in the big leagues with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. A children's biography filled with over 25 thrilling photos, Mike Trout: Baseball Sensation chronicles the New Jersey native's rise from a toddler running the base paths to winning the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year Award. Young readers will read about Trout's childhood days when he played baseball in his family's backyard, his high school basketball career and highlights from his Major League Baseball years.
Meet the five gymnasts who will represent the United States at the 2012 London Olympics. The Fab Five: Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas and the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team tells each team member's life story as they rose from young gymnasts with big dreams to become international superstars of their sport. Discover the stories of Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Kyla Ross as they aim for gold in London!
