Get ready to tumble* in with some cartwheels*, handstands*, and back flips* in the book "Gold Medal Summer." This book plunges you right into the breathtaking world of gymnastics* with the main character Joey Jordan.

Jordan, a 13-year-old girl, is a gymnast who is optimistic of winning a gold medal in the Regionals State competition. But she has a big fear of doing a series of moves - back handsprings*, to be exact - on the beam and always falls, which messes up her routine*. She usually wins bronze and silver medals, but she has never won gold.

Joey wants to change her routine into something that she is strong in. However, her coach does not agree. The assistant coach, Maureen, has confidence that Joey would do better if her routine were different. She plots secretly to train Joey with a new routine for the Regionals. But Joey's biggest concern is having Coach Angelo disqualify* her from the Regionals for their daring act.

In all the time that Joey competed, her parents rarely attended her competitions. They are not supportive. But Joey's not in this alone. Joey's best friend Alex and Julia, Joey's older sister and a former gold medal winner in the Nationals competition, help and support her.

On top of that, an old friend named Tanner just moved back into town, and Joey starts to like him. But boys and gymnastics don't mix, so Joey will have to choose between the two.

The suspense* in "Gold Medal Summer" never stops. The vivid despcriptions made the readers feel like walking on the beam with Joey. It is easy for young readers to relate with some of Joey's feelings.

(SD-Agencies)