From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8?A straightforward overview. Gutman covers the history of the sport, its events, judging, and scoring in an informal, breezy style and profiles people and problems, both past and present, within the readable text. An eight-page full-color insert appears at the center of the book. Average-quality black-and-white photographs are sprinkled throughout. While the factual presentation is informative, the writing is often choppy and is marred by the use of slang expressions. Nonetheless, the harsh realities of the sport and its effects on individuals come through loud and clear.?Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, MurfreeboroCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 5^-8. Gutman traces the history of gymnastics, from the first Greeks who took bulls by the horns and vaulted onto their backs to the superstars vying to compete in the 1996 Olympics. Along the way, he discusses the evolution of the sport, explains men's and women's events and how they are judged, provides lots of anecdotes and brief biographies, and describes a typical day in the life of a gymnast. Gutman's tone throughout is breezy and enthusiastic, and, as his occasional, emphatic use of italics suggests, he is truly bedazzled by the athletes and their skill. But he also examines the dark side of the sport: serious injuries, eating disorders, abusive coaches, and the competitive system. A glossary, a chronology, and an entertaining chapter of gymnastics trivia round out this easily read, timely overview of a popular sport. Chris Sherman


From Kirkus Reviews
A history and commentary on the Olympic sport of gymnastics, with sections on the various events, past and present superstars of the sport, judging, terminology, problems, and trivia. While Gutman (Taking Flight, 1995, not reviewed, etc.) highlights the beautiful and fascinating aspects of this popular sport, he is also brutally frank in discussing the negative aspects, especially for the young girls who participate. Sections on Olga and Nadia will bring back memories for parents and teachers. The thorough, extremely readable, coverage includes quotes from famous gymnasts, a day-in- the-life chapter, medal results from all of the modern games, a discussion of politics, a where-are-they-now section, and more. A valuable companion, out just in time for the summer games. (index, not seen, b&w photos, charts, chronology, glossary, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Book Description
How did Kerri Strug go from Olympic hopeful to Olympic champion? How does Dominique Moceanu spend a typical day? This thorough, fun-to-read book answers those questions and many more. You'll learn the ins and outs of the equipment and events, find out how scoring is done, read about the history of the sport, and lots more! Dan Gutman's insider look at gymnastics has been fully updated to include the 1996 Olympics and is sure to enthrall aspiring gymnasts and devoted fans alike. A glossary, a chronology, and an entertaining chapter of gymnastics trivia round out this easily read, timely overview of a popular sport.-- Booklist Dan Gutman is the author of many books for children, including Ice Skating, Taking Flight: My Story by Vicky Van Meter, and World Series Classics. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey.


Card catalog description
Discusses the history, competitive events, and some superstars of gymnastics, as well as problems and miscellaneous facts related to the sport.

ANNOTATION

Discusses the history, competitive events, and some superstars of gymnastics, as well as problems and miscellaneous facts related to the sport.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

How did Kerri Strug go from Olympic hopeful to Olympic champion? How does Dominique Moceanu spend a typical day? This thorough, fun-to-read book answers those questions and many more. You￯﾿ﾽll learn the ins and outs of the equipment and events, find out how scoring is done, read about the history of the sport, and lots more! Dan Gutman￯﾿ﾽs insider look at gymnastics has been fully updated to include the 1996 Olympics and is sure to enthrall aspiring gymnasts and devoted fans alike. A glossary, a chronology, and an entertaining chapter of gymnastics trivia round out this easily read, timely overview of a popular sport.-- Booklist Dan Gutman is the author of many books for children, including Ice Skating, Taking Flight: My Story by Vicky Van Meter, and World Series Classics. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Dr. Judy Rowen

Gutman provides a fascinating review of the world of gymnastics, from its beginnings to the superstars of tomorrow. One chapter reviews each event in gymnastics, from the rings to the balance beam, with clear explanations of the moves performed on each piece of apparatus-photographs arrayed in a time-lapse pattern help the reader understand the trickier elements. Relatively unknown facets such as rhythmic gymnastics are also explained. Scoring is covered, which is a helpful preview to the upcoming Olympics. The author doesn't avoid areas of controversy, from the complaints surfacing about Coach Bela Karolyi's methods, to the eating disorders and other darker complications of the sport, to the politics surrounding judging. Timelines and trivia round out the book.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8A straightforward overview. Gutman covers the history of the sport, its events, judging, and scoring in an informal, breezy style and profiles people and problems, both past and present, within the readable text. An eight-page full-color insert appears at the center of the book. Average-quality black-and-white photographs are sprinkled throughout. While the factual presentation is informative, the writing is often choppy and is marred by the use of slang expressions. Nonetheless, the harsh realities of the sport and its effects on individuals come through loud and clear.Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreeboro

Kirkus Reviews

A history and commentary on the Olympic sport of gymnastics, with sections on the various events, past and present superstars of the sport, judging, terminology, problems, and trivia. While Gutman (Taking Flight, 1995, not reviewed, etc.) highlights the beautiful and fascinating aspects of this popular sport, he is also brutally frank in discussing the negative aspects, especially for the young girls who participate. Sections on Olga and Nadia will bring back memories for parents and teachers. The thorough, extremely readable, coverage includes quotes from famous gymnasts, a day-in- the-life chapter, medal results from all of the modern games, a discussion of politics, a where-are-they-now section, and more.

A valuable companion, out just in time for the summer games.