Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
An effervescent first-person account of 2012 Olympic gold medalist Douglas's life from birth to the Olympics written in collaboration with Burford, this book will capture the attention of sports enthusiasts and Douglas's admirers. Gabrielle "Brie" emerges as an exuberant young woman with a sense of humor. Of her start in gymnastics, Brie suggests her mother was willing to enroll her and three siblings in class because her mother "needed a long nap." Her confidence, focus, and determination come through in every sentence. On occasion poetic descriptions obtrude ("glistening flakes fell from the heavens") on usually colloquial prose ("Lol"). Douglas mentions the lows-her family lived in their van for months when she was an infant-and bullying, but never dwells on them. The story gives readers a feel for the mind of a champion-quick, determined, hard-working to the max, with the ego to withstand unstinting self-evaluation and criticism, always in the service of achieving her next goal. Supported by her mother and siblings, and by her strong faith in God, she sees herself as capable of achieving greatness "because God has equipped me with all I need to succeed." Overall, the book delivers. Poster included. Ages 8-up. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-9-Gymnast Douglas may have made it look easy to win gold at the 2012 Olympics, but getting there was no easy feat. Her single mother worked double shifts to make ends meet, and her siblings gave up their activities so Gabrielle could train. This inspiring autobiography will be enjoyed by young fitness enthusiasts, dedicated gymnasts, or Christian adolescents, though it focuses mostly on the family's sacrifice and less on the actual competition at the Olympics, which some listeners may find disappointing. While Haleakala Wilson speaks well with proper inflection and typical teen speak (sorta, kinda, lol) listeners may find it hard to discern how Gabrielle's mother feels. Is she angry or just frustrated when Gabrielle wants to quit? Listeners will understand that the family believes that their faith and determination to overcome obstacles is what led Gabrielle to be able to be the first African American to win the all-around competition. This audio version could be an additional selection for libraries looking for autobiographies aimed at a middle school audience.-Karen -Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
