Janet L. Rose (Children's Literature)
Carli loves gymnastics but her parents are trying to make ends meet running a guest ranch and need her help. Besides working out at the gym, Carli trains horses, does ranch chores, helps her mother cook for guests, cleans the cabins and barely manages her schoolwork. Because of her talent she gets an opportunity to train under a former Olympic champion but her parents are dubious. Since her grades are slipping and she wastes one and a half hours going to school and back, they pull her out to be home schooled. Carli is devastated. It is her break from the routine at the ranch, her chance to participate in what she loves (gymnastics), and to socialize with friends. It takes a robbery and wrong accusations before her parents can recognize what is important to Carli and in the end they are her staunch supporters. This quick read is included in a series about girls excelling in different sports. 2008, Kingfisher, $5.95. Ages 8 to 12.