Tumbling

By: Caela Carter

Narrated by: Emily Eiden

For fans of Make It Or Break It, a novel about the road to Olympics for the world's most elite gymnasts.

Work harder than anyone.
Be the most talented.
Sacrifice everything.
And if you’re lucky, maybe you will go to the Olympics.

Grace lives and breathes gymnastics—but no matter how hard she pushes herself, she can never be perfect enough.

Leigh, Grace’s best friend, has it all: a gymnastics career, a normal high-school life... and a secret that could ruin everything.

Camille wants to please her mom, wants to please her boyfriend, and most of all, wants to walk away.

Wilhelmina was denied her Olympic dream four years ago, and she won’t let anything stop her again. No matter what.

Monica is terrified. Nobody believes in her—and why should they?

By the end of the two days of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, some of these girls will be stars. Some will be going home with nothing. And all will have their lives changed forever.

Critic reviews

"Completely gripping. I felt like I had a front row seat to the Olympic Trials. All readers, especially fans of gymnastics, will love this book and wish it would not have to end."--Miranda Kenneally, author of Catching Jordan

"Gymnastics-lovers of all ages will eagerly soak up this intimate look at the sport."--Publishers Weekly

"Gymnastic books for teens are surprisingly few, and Carter has crafted an intense look into the pressures of this ambitious and all-consuming lifestyle."--Booklist

"Carter has created five memorable characters whose voices resonate long after the story ends."--School Library Journal

"A glossary of terms is included for the uninitiated, but those heavily involved in the sport will truly understand and appreciate the nuances of scorekeeping, the politics of team assemblage, and the friends-rivals dynamics that keep life cartwheeling along behind the scenes."—Kirkus Reviews

"An engaging read even for those not interested in gymnastics. There is action, too, as the plot arcs through a surprising climax and a gratifying ending."—VOYA

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Surprisingly Good! Hidden Gem.

It was a well written coming of age story about a group of female gymnasts. They have normal crushes, and stresses about the future. There is one character questioning her sexuality. It doesn't end the way you would expect but a very positive story for teen girl. I was age 36 when I read it and enjoyed it. There is a lot more to the story then whether they win or not.