Grace, Gold, and Glory

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