Winner Takes Gold

By Author / Illustrator

Eloise Smith

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

Publisher

Chicken House

ISBN

9781915026309

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

04-01-2024

Synopsis

It takes courage to follow your dreams . . . Young gymnast Pearl dreams of winning gold in Paris. It's what Mum would have wanted. However, elite training camp is super tough, even with the help of best friend Ryan and rising star, Jada-Rae. Think ice baths, rivalry ... sabotage. When others will do anything to win, what will Pearl risk? Safety? Morals? Friendships?

This thrilling tale reminds us sport is about more than medals. It's about making friends, being brave and freeing your soul. An all-action sporting drama set in the world of gymnastics, from the author of Sister to a Star Packed full of friendships, drama and action; perfect for tweens aged 10-13 years.

Author Eloise Smith is a former Olympic fencer and three-time Commonwealth gold medal winner! 'A gymnastic fantastic read' Cate Shearwater, author of Somersaults and Dreams. 'Perfect for book clubs, Winner Takes Gold celebrates honesty, fair play and the value of true friendship.' The School Reading List.

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Reviews

In Winner Takes Gold, Pearl dreams of winning a place on the GB Mini Elite Squad. Her mother, who was a coach at the local club, Bagley End Butterflies, passed away the year before and Pearl is determined to 'light up the world' with her shine as mum would have wanted.

When her friend, Ryan, wins a place at Leaping Spires training camp as part of the squad without her, Pearl is devastated until a place becomes available. However, life at the elite training camp is incredibly tough with a strict regime focusing on being better than the best. Rumours about the 'Curse of Leaping Spires' start flying around as accidents and mishaps seem to dog the students, leading Pearl and Ryan to suspect sabotage. Just how far will someone go to take gold?

Once I started Winner Takes Gold, I could not put it down! There is so much to enjoy in these pages. I have taught many children over the years with a love of gymnastics, some of whom have been involved at a competitive level, and a book like this would be an absolute winner with them. The level of technical accuracy employed in describing the moves will instantly appeal to those who are familiar with them, but these are worked into the plot so seamlessly that they are not off-putting for the non-gymnast.

The strong sense of mystery, the thrill of the chase and uncovering the person behind the 'accidents' all make this a compelling story. Pearl shows the level of dedication and determination needed by those who long to be successful. Passionate, she shows a level of unswerving commitment to her sport, constantly pushing herself to achieve and be the best she can. But the story clearly shows that there is more to being successful in any sport than winning accolades and prizes. Friendship, family and personal wellbeing are essential, but just as important are staying true to yourself and being fair and honest.

The book would be an excellent choice for a class story time, sure to encourage plenty of discussion and debate about sporting attitudes and values amongst other things. Although Pearl is at the centre of the story, boys' gymnastics is also key in the story as Pearl's friend, Ryan, and the other boys in the squad are shown training and competing. A great read!

320 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher