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Description
Heather Bock has spent years as an ice-dancing partner to her older brother Kevin, but at eleven she announces she'd rather skate solo as a free skater. Kevin agrees to support her, and Heather begins the grueling work of building a new routine while juggling school, family, and the fierce competition on the ice. The decision to go it alone threatens to strain both her relationship with Kevin and her chances of making the Olympic team.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves sports stories or dreams of the Olympics, this one's for them. "A Perfect Match" follows Heather and Kevin, two siblings who skate together as a pair, when Heather makes the big choice to strike out on her own and compete solo. It's got that satisfying mix of sibling drama, chasing your own path, and dealing with the fallout when things don't go the way you planned very relatable for anyone who's ever wanted to do something different from what their family expected. The book doesn't shy away from showing the tough stuff, like injured feelings and tough competitions, but it stays upbeat and hopeful, which makes it a good fit for middle graders who want something with a little more emotional depth than a pure fluff read. Fans of "The Baby-Sitters Club" or other series that mix friendship stakes with real problems will probably find a lot to like here.