The Gymnastics Book: The Young Performer's Guide to Gymnastics
Gr 2-6-An excellent book in every way. The early chapters cover reasons to choose this sport and emphasize how its development of strength, flexibility, basics, and fitness will help readers excel in all other athletic pursuits and activities. There is a good section about getting started, choosing a club, and finding an instructor. The skills section is the biggest portion of the book, covering almost 60 pages and including lots of full-color photos. The pages on competition feature Olga Korbut, Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, and Vitaly Scherbo. Information on the importance of family and friends, the financial aspects, a typical day in the life of a competitive gymnast (Kim Zmeskal-Burdette), and two pages from a journal showing an average competitive training schedule are evidence of how complete this book is. Men's events are covered, too, with a glimpse at one of the few African-American males in the sport, Curtis Hibbert. Schlegel, an Olympic medalist, mentions what it's like to win and lose and the signs of real success. Best of all, the book is accessible to early readers. Superb coverage of a popular sport.-Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WICopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.