As a longtime enthusiast of middle-grade literature, especially those with a sports theme, I was thrilled to dive into The Gymnast by Joanne Crymble. The book’s premise, focusing on a fourteen-year-old gymnast named Riley who faces setbacks and rivalry, intrigued me immediately. With my background in following athletes’ journeys and deeply resonating with stories of resilience, I knew this book would be a perfect fit for my reading list.
Riley’s journey embodies the essence of gymnastics, where "flying" metaphorically represents not just the physical art of the sport but also the emotional highs and lows that come with pursuing a passion. I found it refreshing how the narrative unfolds with Riley losing her place on the Stick Squad team and her relentless drive to find another gym to continue training for the upcoming Regional Gymnastics Championships. The trials she faces, particularly the animosity from a former teammate determined to undermine her, felt very realistic and added a captivating layer of complexity to her character.
One of the key strengths of The Gymnast is its portrayal of adolescent struggles and relatable themes. Many reviews highlight the book’s exploration of jealousy, rivalry, and family dynamics. A reviewer noted that it "touches on some interesting themes like jealousy, competition, and family struggles," which resonated with me. It successfully weaves these themes into an engaging storyline while keeping it accessible for middle-grade readers. I also appreciated the warm narrative that encourages resilience, depicting not only the triumphs but also the painful realities of competitive sports.
In addition, the character of Riley is well-developed, embodying determination and growth throughout the book. As one enthusiastic reader shared, “My daughter is a competitive gymnast and this book really resonated with her," which echoes my sentiment perfectly. It’s a story that can inspire young athletes to fight for their dreams and develop a strong sense of self-worth. The writing is straightforward and flows well, making it an easy read for its targeted audience of 8 to 14 years old.
However, while I found much to admire in the book, a couple of drawbacks surfaced. Some readers mentioned that certain aspects of the plot felt predictable, especially for those familiar with sports narratives. Though I appreciated Riley’s journey, it did follow a somewhat familiar arc of overcoming adversity. Additionally, while the dialogue often felt genuine, there were moments where it came off as a bit too simplistic for my taste. I found myself wishing for deeper character interactions, which would have added more richness to the story.
Despite these minor issues, my overall reading experience was incredibly satisfying. I truly enjoyed how The Gymnast captures the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie—showing that it’s not just about winning, but also about the relationships we foster along the way. As another review pointed out, "the sequential story line is easy to follow," indicating that it appeals to a wide range of young readers.
In conclusion, The Gymnast is a heartwarming tale that illustrates the essence of pursuing one’s passion amidst challenges. It is particularly suitable for young readers interested in gymnastics or sports in general. While it has its predictable moments, the engaging narrative and relatable themes more than make up for it. I highly recommend this book to parents looking for an inspiring read for their children, gymnasts-in-training, or anyone interested in a wholesome story about resilience and friendship. Riley’s tale of soaring against all odds is sure to leave a mark!