Women Athletes - Biography, Olympians - Biography, Ice & Figure Skating, Winter Sports - Biography
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Overview
From the moment her mom laced up her first pair of skates at age five, Michelle Kwan has been a natural on the ice. Graceful and determined, she sailed through her first competition when seven years old and has been winning ever since. Now, at seventeen, Michelle Kwan is poised for triumph at the 1998 Winter Olympics, training for gold and a glittering place in skating history.This inspiring biography of the young skating superstar reveals the support and sacrifice that have propelled Michelle to the top: her close-knit family, the pressure to get a proper education while competing all over the world, the perseverance after she fell during competition and lost her number one status, and--of course-- the constant demand to create unforgettable skating performances.
A fascinating behind-the-scenes story of challenge and conquest, BORN TO SKATE recreates the magic and beauty of a life on the ice.
Editorials
VOYA -
In recent years, the public's interest in figure skating has increased, with both amateur and professional skating a regular feature on television, so books on Michelle Kwan are a welcome addition. At seventeen, Kwan is one of the world's best figure skaters. In January, she became the 1998 U. S. Ladies National Champion. As this issue went to press, she was a favorite for an Olympic gold medal. Epstein's biography takes the reader from Kwan's first steps on the ice at age five to her world championship in 1996 and then on to her disappointment at the 1997 nationals. The book covers the sacrifices the Kwan family made, the hard work involved in becoming a champion, the relationship between Michelle and her older sister Karen, also a competitive skater, and the way Michelle's skating style has changed and developed over the years. Also included is information on other skaters with whom Kwan has trained and competed. The book is an interesting biography of a young woman who has pursued her dream by working hard and staying focused. Kwan's autobiography as told to Laura James is a much more personal, engaging book. Kwan's voice comes through so that the reader feels connected to the young woman who worked hard, stayed focused, and was guided by a strong family and an experienced coach. Kwan explains technical information, sets the stage for various events, and periodically even laughs at herself. The combination of technical and personal information is very appealing. Both books would be good additions to a biography section, though the autobiography, because of its personal nature, would be more appealing to readers. Photos. Appendix. Note: This review was written and published to address two titles: Born to Skate: The Michelle Kwan Story and Heart of a Champion: An Autobiography. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M J S (Readable without serious defects, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).Book Details
Published
November 1, 1997
Publisher
Ballantine Books (Mm)
Pages
180
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780345421364