MICHELE MARTIN BOSSLEY was born in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., but grew up in Calgary from the time she was five. She is the author of ten other childrens books including Taking a Dive runner-up for the R. Ross Annett Award in Children's Literature and The Perfect Gymnast nominated for the 1999 Manitoba Reader's Choice Award. One of her more recent books Pool Princess has been nominated for a Golden Eagle Children's Choice Award. Michele has been involved in both synchronized swimming and competitive swimming since her teens. She has also coached young swimmers and draws on much of that experience for her books.
Pool Princess is natural in voice and flows well. The novel
provides strategies for dealing with bullies in the form of
straightforward advice from Gracie's family and friends. ... highly
recommended.
The author has done a good job of documenting the progression of
the conflict with all its complications, manifestations of fear and
guilt, and the various attempts by the protagonists to work out a
solution by themselves. The plot is well-structured, fast-paced and
has depth. The confrontations supply a build-up of tension.
...realistic; not perfect, but hopeful and encouraging. The
characters and their relationships are believable. You'll see them
in any school. Any young reader who is being victimized will relate
to Gracie's pain and Zachary's terror. The dialogue is natural,
well-written and brings the characters sharply to life. Both
characters are likeable. Watching them go through the change to
more confident personaities by the end of the story is rewarding.
This book will appeal equally to both genders, and is a fine
edition to a lengthy list of Lorimer Sports Stories with its
authentic insights into the highly competitive world of
synchronized swimming.
Ask a Question About this Product More... |