Graphic Novel Review: Just Between Us

 

Lydia is super talented and she's smashing the competition. But she also doesn't remember why she chose figure skating. It's a lot of pressure and with the Olympics looming, she's not sure she has what it takes. When a rival starts training at her ice rink, she sees the way Elaine sparkles on the ice. Could she be the key to helping Lydia figure out her problem.

My Thoughts: I love figure skating, so I'm here for all the books. I love how these two rivals formed a friendship and began to care about each other and learn from other. And that ending! I enjoyed the soft colors with the illustrations - the yellows combined with the black.

* If you loved watching Alyssa Liu skate; read this graphic novel.

Middle Grade Review: On Thin Ice

 

The twins are having a rough time of it - Dexter is cut from the hockey team and Phoebe's ice-skating partner is injured. Dexter's pranks have gotten him in trouble one too many times with the coach. Phoebe's hoping to medal at an upcoming competition.

Their mom makes a deal with Dex: he will become Phoebe's new skating partner and in return, she will buy him the new hockey skates that he desires. Dexter isn't thrilled with the idea, but he agrees. Plus, figure skating might help his footwork when he gets back on the hockey team. Can they skate together without killing each other?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the sports moments. This book snuck in so many other moments: grief, friendship, romance, and family drama. The twins' father died recently and they're still processing their grief. They're also learning how to talk with their mother and ask for help. All of them are bottling up their emotions, but they do learn to let them out. There were a lot of growing moments here. I liked the dual POV between the siblings. The ending works well. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library.

Review: Anna on the Edge

 

Ana is the reigning US Juvenile Figure Skating Champion. She's interested in moving to the next phase, which requires a chorographer. Her mother's able to afford a big deal in the skating world. But Ana isn't pleased. The costume isn't right and the music isn't her.

When Ana meets a transgender boy who mistakes her for being a boy - she starts thinking. Could she be something other than a girl?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story -  I picked it up for the figure skating but was also curious about the gender identity moments. This was a great read - lots of friendship, financial worries, honest conversations, and of course figure skating. I loved how everything came together. Ana worried through most of the book and made some not great choices, but then found a way to fix them. A great middle grade read - both for the sports and the LGBTQ+ content. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for school and public libraries

Review: The Comeback

Maxine loves skating; she's hoping to make it to the next level. After that, the Olympics. But it's a lot of pressure and a lot of work. Maxine's parents aren't sure she can handle it all - on top of school. Things at school aren't great with a racist bully making comments. Maxine isn't sure how to handle him, but she's not about to tell her parents. She also isn't about to tell them she feels intimated by the new skater at the rink. This skater has more grace than Maxine and she can jump. With everything combine, it's no one Maxine feels all the feelings these days. But can she block out all the feelings on the day of her competition?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of figure skating and figure skating books. As soon as I saw the cover, I wanted to read this book. And it was really great. I loved the skating parts and learning more about the moves. I wish I could skate like Maxine. (I wish I could skate period - but it's been years and even then I wasn't very good.) I felt bad for Maxine and all that she had to deal with - but she handled it well. I wanted to give her a hug when she faced down her bully. I'm glad that she could speak up, even though it's difficult.  I love how she and Hollie bonded over 90s music. I admire how they came together and became friendship who were very supportive of each other. An #ownvoices story and a great debut! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great middle grade sports book for your school and public libraries - highly recommended.