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mamagames's review against another edition
2.0
Pre-reading books for J's 8th grade year. She loved I Got This by Laurie Hernandez and Proud by Ibtihaj Muhammad, and asked for more memoirs of young female athletes. We picked this one because it's also about adoption and overcoming a disability in addition to the athletic success. It is more of a coffee table book for juniors with glossy pages and tons of full color photos than a serious autobiography. I think J. will enjoy it, though we've already had the pre-talk that it's full of religious bits (God had a plan for me, etc.) which is not a good fit in our house.
abigailbat's review against another edition
An inspiring memoir that gives a glimpse into the experiences and training of an elite Paralympic athlete. Recommended for young athletes, readers who enjoy inspirational sports biographies, or anyone who's seen that Toyota commercial ten thousand times and wants to know more.
lizthelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing book for those wanting to learn about Olympians, especially for a child. I'm always wanting to learn about Olympians stories and I was not disappointed with Jessica Long's story. She writes about going to the Paralympics and her triumphs and failures throughout her four Olympics. This book can be an inspiration to anyone that reads it.
amdame1's review against another edition
3.0
Jessica was born in (Siberia) Russia with a condition that affected her feet and ankles. She was put in an orphanage. She was adopted by a family from the US. She had both legs amputated below the knee. She loved to swim and was really good at it. She participated in the paralympics and won many medals. Lots of full color photographs throughout, strong female overcoming adversity, supportive family, found her birth mother, struggle with not getting as many golds as she had hoped for (how to cope with difficult situations). I think teens could relate - but have had the ARC out and no one has taken it yet...
thisgrrlreads's review against another edition
3.0
Jessica Long is an incredible person, who does not quit in the face of adversity and that is completely clear from this book which mostly talks about her swimming career, with a few inserts about being adopted and being an amputee. Very body positive, self-esteem building and potentially inspiring for anyone with a big goal they hope to reach. As you would expect from a book written by a young star, the writing is passable but seems like it has her personality so seems fairly relatable.
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