The Winning Spirit

I'm pleased to say that I liked this book. I've been searching for books to add to our school library that promote empathy, understanding and inlcusion, and I feel that this one hits the mark. The author does an excellent job of honestly exploring the confusion and doubt of Nikki, the skater who becomes a Special Olympics coach. The words used to describe Carrie (the teenager with Down Syndrome) are appropriate and avoid outdated stereotypes of what it means to be differently-abled. I thought the character of Carrie was perhaps a little too eloquent and accomplished for what many teens with Down Syndrome might achieve, but as a parent of a child with DS, I also have to remind myself that a syndrome means a range of abilities and expecations, and there is no such thing as "typical"!I would recommend this book for school libraries and any pre-teen/teenage girl who either loves skating, or wants to understand more about our diverse world. It's probably most suitable for a 9-12 year old reader, but as I've just said, there is no such thing as "typical". Read and enjoy!

That's what Nikki learned when she saw Carrie skate.I like that book.It taught me a lesson.The first time I met my own best friend,I thought she was slow,fat,and sluggish.It turns out,she was faster than me,and I mean,I'm pretty fast.I would recommend that book to anyone.As well as teaching you something,it's absolutely fasinating to read. Kim, age 9, Massachusetts