Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion ANNOTATION
The 1996 World Figure Skating Champion discusses the rigors of competition, the importance of a strong support group, her love of ice skating, and her Olympic dream.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
At 16, Californian Michelle Kwan claimed the women's World Champion crown. A bright and appealing role model for kids and adults alike, her story is one of hard work and true achievement. Four-color photos.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Mary Sue Preissner
Middle schoolers will love this conversational presentation of ice-skating's Michelle Kwan. In addition to discussing the events surrounding her skating successes and failures, she presents her thoughts, emotions, and philosophies. This young lady presents her professional goals as well as the importance of her family and its support, especially in the volatile world of competitive ice-skating. Readers will enjoy the 16 pages of color photographs with hand-written comments. The bottom outside corner of the right pages contains an image of a skater. Flip through them and watch the tiny skater jump and spin. Includes a glossary.
VOYA - Sue Krumbein
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. Glossary. Photos. 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 3P M J S (Readable without serious defects, Will appeal with pushing, 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).
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8--In a direct, conversational style, this engaging narrative takes readers on a chronological journey through the athlete's life. The 17-year-old figure skater talks candidly about her life as a competitor; as a National and World Champion; and as a daughter, a sister, and a teenager. She describes the personal sacrifices that she and her family had to make early in her career and shares with her audience her sense of determination and love of competition by discussing her feelings before, during, and after various skating events. Through her motto, "Work hard, be yourself, and have fun," readers gain an honest look at this young woman. A 16-page insert of full-color photographs enhance the presentation. The glossary of skating and technical terminology is helpful for those unfamiliar with the types of jumps and spins involved in the sport. With the demand for autobiographies, books on sports celebrities, and ethnic biographies, this book will rank highly in most libraries.--Shirley N. Quan, Orange County Public Library, Stanton, CA
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