This book is the autobiography of Kim Hamilton Anthony, a black athlete who was eventually inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame. She lived a difficult life as the poorest of the poor in Virginia. Her mother and father sacrificed much to get the gymnastics training that Kim needed. Her mother, especially, gave her all for the sake of her daughter. Kim struggled with poverty, rejection, and physical and emotional pain, and yet she prevailed as an athlete in her chosen field of gymnastics. This book was hard to put down because it told such a compelling story. Central to the theme was God's grace, mercy, and provision in Kim's life. Indeed, her purpose in writing this book, more than telling her own story, is to provide encouragement for others and lead the reader to a fulfilling life of serving God.

This book should be required reading for your middle school or high school-aged student. I intend to make it a book report selection for my granddaughter this year. I cannot think of an autobiography that I have read recently that has impacted me more or that I have enjoyed reading more. I highly recommend this book.

Product review by Christine Hindle, The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine, LLC, November 2010