Courage To Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance

Gr 7 Up—Combine grueling daily training with the ultra-competitive life of world-class gymnastics and the life of an extraordinary tween, and you will soar with Simone Biles. True to its title, Biles's autobiography, written with best-selling author and O magazine founding editor Michelle Burford, is a work in balance. Listeners are privy to how a bouncy, energetic toddler became the world's most decorated female gymnast. They will hear of the technical complexities, coaching strategies, frustrating competitive failures, and smashing successes. Listeners get a unique, insider's peek behind the scenes of the gymnastics universe, with its tales of favorite colors, choosing a dream car, lucky leotards, unusual animal obsessions, and even teen crushes. Biles honestly shares stories of her crying binges and bratty phases as well as her adult-size determination and dedication to her sport. The author does not shy away from the rocky side of family life but also describes the generous support and guidance of her close family. Imani Parks is perfect as the narrator. Her pitch is spot on, and she mimics the tones and accents of several adults in Biles's life, just as the teen might.