Gold Medal Winter

About this book

Just in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics!

After years of practice and competitions, of sit spins and perfect poses and thrillingly high jumps, Esperanza Flores will be skating for the United States. But with the excitement of an Olympic shot comes new attention -- and BIG distractions.

Suddenly Espi can't go out with her friends, or even out her back door, without people following her every move. The other U.S. figure skaters have a lot more international experience, and they let Espi know they don't think she's ready. And Hunter Wills, the men's figure skating champion, seems to be flirting with her, even as the press matches her up with Danny Morrison, the youngest -- and maybe cutest -- member of the U.S. hockey team.

In the midst of all this, Espi is trying to master an impossible secret jump that just might be her key to a medal. Can she focus enough to shut out the drama, find her edge over the competition, and make the Olympics as golden as her dreams?

Reviews

Praise for Gold Medal Winter:

"An admirable heroine navigates a difficult path to fame and fortune in a tale that will appeal to those looking for a lavish serving of romance along with an interesting backstage glimpse of the international skating world." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Freitas, a former competitive gymnast, writes perceptively of behind-the-scenes drama among elite athletes, and readers will appreciate her explanations of figure skating scoring intricacies. Sure to be popular with skating fans and those following this year’s Winter Olympics." -- Booklist

"A cozy accompaniment to the Winter Olympics." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Readers will eagerly follow Espie's arduous and dramatic road to the Olympics and her final performance, cheering her on to the inevitable but entirely satisfying conclusion." -- School Library Journal


Praise for Gold Medal Summer:

"Gold Medal Summer… successfully reflects the competitive gymnast's spunk, thanks to Donna Freitas's flash[y] style and relatable protagonist." -- New York Times

"Freitas offers young readers plenty to relate to: living in the shadow of a perfect older sibling, battling with parents over life's choices, and handling insecurities that make it seem like failure is looming large.... [An] enjoyable story of a girl overcoming obstacles to realize her dreams, and for readers who have dreamed of trying out the balance beam or uneven bars, Joey's story will be captivating." -- Publishers Weekly

"Joey is likable and believable; even readers unfamiliar with gymnastics will identify with her friendship and first-relationship issues. Due to this year’s London Olympics, this novel will probably have a wide audience. Freitas is a former competitive gymnast, and her descriptions of routines are taut and eye-opening. Although the hardships of the sport are not underplayed, this is a largely positive novel about hard work and self-confidence." -- School Library Journal