Aerials and Envy

February 1, 2018

Gr 4-7-A part of the "Jake Maddox" collection, these middle grade books are focused on female athletes who share a passion for their sports. Tamaya Jackson is the captain of her gymnastics team in Aerials and Envy. After a local news station makes her the center of their segment on the team, she must learn how to share attention and be a good teammate. In Catching Confidence, bookish Ana finds herself fascinated by softball after seeing a college team play. When she does not earn a spot on her school's team, she must gain confidence and work with a combative teammate. Each story is balanced between detailed descriptions of the athletics and interpersonal relationships with team members, though the plots can occasionally be slow-paced. The books, which are written at a third grade reading level, include a glossary of sports terms, discussion questions, writing prompts, and additional information about the sport. VERDICT With diverse, relatable characters, this series can fill the gap in many collections for appealing hi-lo sports titles directed towards girls.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
Figure skating, gymnastics, volleyball, and softball action (and stereotypical girl-drama) dominate these message-driven short novels about middle-school girls who learn lessons concerning the importance of doing the right thing for your friends and yourself while seeking the glory of winning. The easy-to-read, engaging hi-lo books also include discussion questions, writing prompts, and interesting facts about each sport. Glos.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)