Finding Her Edge

Gr 8 Up–The Russo name is infamous in ice skating: Adriana’s father runs the most respected rink in the country. Adriana, too tall for her father’s standard for figure skating, performs as an ice dancer with her partner, Brayden. Older sister Elisa is a singles figure skater, about to compete in the Olympics; younger sister Maria skates pairs. Adriana struggles with worrying about finances, which have been difficult since her mother died, especially because her father and older sister are extravagant. As Elisa and her father leave for the Olympics, the younger USA team converges on the Russo rink to train together for the Junior Worlds competition. Adriana dreads seeing fellow skater Freddie, her old partner, whom she left behind when her growth spurt made them incompatible as a team. Adriana and Brayden start to attract paparazzi on the coattails of her sister’s reality show fame, so the pair decides to fake a relationship to take advantage of the media attention (and possible sponsorships). However, Adriana soon finds herself in a love triangle with all-too-real feelings. The main character is a mature, self-possessed, independent girl, who takes on more than her fair share of responsibility.