Two teen gymnasts in a small city in Illinois navigate friendship, love, and loss.It's 1996, and Riley, a white-presenting, hard-of-hearing girl from California, is the newest member on the gymnastics team. Kota, a biracial (white and Japanese) girl with an androgynous, punky style, is curious about Riley-and even a bit smitten. While Riley struggles to live without her father, who died several years ago, as well as the friends back home who no longer keep in touch, Kota must learn to be brave in both gymnastics and life. Despite dealing with some painful emotions, the story feels gentle, with characters who all mean well and try their best. The illustrations are primarily an attractive grayscale with blue and green accents. The figures and faces are expressive but have an unpolished quality that detracts slightly from their impact. The backgrounds and settings are much stronger, however, creating atmosphere with the careful addition of warm colors. In Nadine's 1990s Middle America, people are nonchalant about queerness. Riley is portrayed without a signing Deaf community. Riley's and Kota's storylines wrap up nicely in this sweet, tender story about the importance of courage and connection, which will appeal to readers who enjoy nostalgia, gymnastics, or loving queer friendships.A warm, cozy read. (Graphic fiction. 12-17)

Gr 9 Up —When Kota meets the new member of her gymnastics class, Riley, the two teen girls have a moderately rough road to friendship. While Kota is outgoing and eager to make a pal of the new arrival, who demonstrates great skill and a serious attitude, Riley is less interested in socializing. One of her two dads has recently died and her now-single parent is depressed. Riley herself is deaf and less than thrilled by Kota's persistence in learning to communicate with her. Yet, basic good will on both their parts steadily breaks down the barrier even as a fall from the bar takes a bite from Kota's usual self-confidence. Black-and-white ink artwork highlighted with blue wash showcases each central and side character's individuality and personality, including Kota's biracial white and Japanese family. Nadine's illustrations clearly distinguish the three styles the new friends use to communicate: speech, ASL, and writing in a shared notebook. VERDICT Highly recommended. In narrative construction and sequential art, this story of athleticism, the fragility of confidence, and teen friendship unfolds with the grace and power of the sport of gymnastics itself.—Francisca Goldsmith