The Winning Edge Series: A Perfect Landing

The local ice rink forms much of the backdrop for the first volume in Kirby's new series about the friendship and faith shared by three aspiring young figure skaters. Amy Pederson, a promising athlete, spends every spare moment practicing her jumps and spins. When Amy's father is seriously injured in a car accident, her world--and her skating schedule--changes dramatically. The Pedersons move to Texas to be closer to relatives and Amy's skating practice stalls. A new school, new neighborhood and financial hardship take a toll on Amy and her family. But before long, a new ice rink opens nearby and Amy befriends Kristen and Shannon, two girls who share her passion for the sport. Kristen also introduces Amy to her church youth group; Amy comes to learn that having God on her side is the only way to win, in skating and in life. Kirby's writing is slightly stiff and didactic, and the practice of denoting with an asterisk words from the book's glossary sometimes proves intrusive. However, the likable characters and the popular figure skating setting will likely keep readers involved. Ages 10-14. (May)