I loved being able to jump right into book 2 in this series. I was taking a little aback by the fact that the authors chose to put in a little bit of a time jump to set up a bit of a backstory that book one did not have. After absorbing this, the narrative flowed beautifully, but also in a mind-bending way that keeps twisting in on itself in a way, reminiscent of Doctor Who. Of course I love that. The ramifications that the authors set up in this plot, leave me quite excited for book 3 in the series and a little bummed that I have to wait a few months before getting to read it.
This memoir is a fascinating look at an athlete who I knew nothing about in a sport that I also know next to nothing about and how she moved through, processed, and overcame incredible difficulties to win an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Olympics. I always enjoy the perspectives provided by people when they write their story and reading this memoir was no different.
It was a little bit trying to go into reading this memoir because I believe that this memoir and the book I read just prior had the same narrator. Even with the minor setback of having to remind myself that this is a different person’s story, I still found this story fascinating as well. I also was intrigued by my lack of difficulty in comprehending how this author chose to share her life because she chooses a far more fluid manner of presentation rather than a straightforward chronology, which is what my brain usually prefers. As one reads the story, when realizes that if the author had chosen or been forced to chronicle her life in a straightforward manner, it would not have sounded authentic to who she is. I always love when things like that transcend the actual written words and can come through in the narrative.
This novel felt unfortunately a little too mature for the intended middle grade audience. Some of it made sense but a few aspects, including art choice/stylization as well as plot choices that did not make a lot of sense or would’ve been more difficult for a middle grade audience to comprehend. This graphic novel has potential, but I will likely not put on my classroom shelves.
Just like the graphic novel, I read immediately prior to reading this one, the author and illustrator made choices with the narrative that did not really make a lot of sense. Some of the events did not receive adequate explanation, or any explanation at all. It also felt like the reader was dropped into an already established world because the academy that the main character attends as well as the role/ethnicity/something that her parents participate in was never actually explained. Again, unfortunately, this is not a graphic novel that I will be seeking out to put on my classroom shelves.
Marks did an excellent job in this short, contemporary novel, exploring difficult family relationships at an age-appropriate level. She gave an authentic voice to the main character and also to the estranged half-brother who comes in to take care of the main character when their mom is in a car accident that leaves her in a coma needing long-term medical care. The story that is revealed through the main character searching to understand why her brother hates their mom so much and has not really been a part of her life is unfortunately common and also dealt with in a serious age-appropriate manner. I highly recommend this book.
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