Olympic gold medalist Hernandez tells a loosely autobiographical story about a child who aspires to be a gymnast. Zoe, a girl with thick, dark curls, loves to be on the balance beam-until she falls off: -Zoe-s knee hurt. Her shoulder hurt. Her head hurt. Inside, her heart hurt, too.- With a bandaged knee, Zoe tearfully tells her family that she wants to quit classes. But after hearing her siblings- stories of falling and getting up, and after her family celebrates her -first fall- with ice cream (-Each fall makes you better,- her mother says), she bravely returns to class. Mata conveys Zoe-s straightforward emotions in assuring digital art. Hernandez offers a heartfelt endnote for budding athletes: -Even as an Olympian, I still feel scared when I try something new, inside or outside the gym. But I never let fear hold me back.- Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 3 Hernandez became a household name when she won gold and silver medals in the 2016 Olympic games. In this debut picture book, young gymnast Zoe is just starting out in the sport and has a long way to go before making it to a world competition. At first, exuberant Zoe excels at her new passion, but then takes a tough fall from the balance beam. Bruised and losing confidence, she is ready to quit but, with the support of her family, she realizes that her perceived failure is really an opportunity to get back on and try again. The illustrated Zoe could be a younger doppelgänger for Hernandez herself, and the cast of background characters is diverse and lively. Followers of other sports will appreciate Zoe's siblings sharing their own experiences with karate and track and field. A personal note from Hernandez reinforces the message that perseverance can lead to extraordinary results. Also included are some adorable childhood pictures of the author. VERDICT Not just for gymnastics enthusiasts, this uplifting story will encourage every child who must make the tough decision to overcome life's challenges. Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH