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Barbie: I Can Be

I Can Be a Gymnast (Barbie)

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Girls ages 4 to 6 who love gymnastics will love reading about Barbie as she competes at a gymnastic championship in this Step into Reading leveled reader.

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2014

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About the author

Kristen L. Depken

117 books14 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
88 (38%)
4 stars
49 (21%)
3 stars
59 (25%)
2 stars
22 (9%)
1 star
12 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Mya.
1,508 reviews65 followers
April 8, 2020
It was a nice story. 3.8 really. I really wished it went into more detail about how her team helped her. However, the illustrations were beautiful and eye catching.
Profile Image for Set.
2,335 reviews
October 13, 2024
Very pretty and glitzy but it would have been nice if we could have seen the other teammates participate in other gymnastic events like the vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise instead of just Barbie on the balance beam. It's a book for early readers with simple words and short sentences. I appreciate that coach Jenna is a brunette with brown eyes but it would be nice if the pale brunettes would be represented in the Barbie books and not just that one nemesis character that everyone hates: Raquelle.
Profile Image for Danielle Robertson  Robertson.
Author 1 book14 followers
October 23, 2022
Okay so unfortunately they have the events all wrong in this book. Barbie can't do both rhythmic gymnastics and the balance beam. Also this isn't how being on a team works, you have teammates but they're just there to cheer you on? How come none of the teammates that were introduced in the beginning of the book actually get to participate in the events? As a gymnast this book kind of annoys me.
Profile Image for Jeannie.
190 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2024
One of the better books to come home from the school library, a Step 1 with some basic words for her to start identifying while I read the remainder. Good, simple story - but some longer words and many names.
84 reviews
March 18, 2026
A nice one to read at circle time and talk about not giving up, helping friends when we see they need help, working as a team, etc. The kids love the visuals and there’s few words so you are able to take the reins on what you want to focus on when adding to it.
Profile Image for Jessica.
257 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2019
The twins love gymnastics and Barbie, so they read this aloud to each other (and mama). They enjoyed the story and subjects. It helped them be excited about reading.
60 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2020
I loved this book because I love gymnasts.
24 reviews
May 25, 2022
Great story of practicing to achieve success!
Note* the girl judge is wearing essentially the same suit outfit as the boy judges
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Natalie Jennette.
9 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2023
Too many names needs more sight words for young readers and wish it had more gymnastic things in the book
Profile Image for Wandi.
84 reviews
August 27, 2025
I read this at work today🙂🤸🏿‍♀️...
1 review
September 24, 2016
exellent book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sukriti .
4,066 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2023
Kristen L. Depken's book captivates readers with its engaging narrative and well-developed characters. The storyline unfolds seamlessly, blending suspense and emotion. Depken's writing style is accessible, making it an enjoyable read for both casual and avid readers. The characters are relatable, and the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish. The author skillfully navigates through various themes, leaving readers with a satisfying and thought-provoking experience. Overall, Kristen L. Depken's book is a compelling addition to contemporary literature, offering a delightful escape into a world of intrigue and human connection.
864 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2016
Ugh, little girls in the reading group loved this book. It’s pink and frilly and designed to appeal to this young demographic.

I just could not stomach this book, it was full of clichés and gaggy dialogue. Although, I have to forgive all this because I am not the target demographic.

Rating 2 out of 5
Read@Book
Profile Image for Jenna.
2,982 reviews40 followers
June 12, 2019
Tässä Barbie-tarinassa unelmoidaan voimistelijana olemisesta, kultamitalien voittamisesta ja upeiden voimistelusuoritusten tekemisestä! Lukijana olin kiitollinen, että tarinassa oli pieni opetus jos toinenkin sisällytettynä Barbien maailmaan; 1) pitää muistaa kiittää kaikkia, joilta on saanut apua, 2) pitää harjoitella ahkerasti, 3) ei saa yrittää liian tosissaan/epätoivoisesti.
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,152 reviews
April 27, 2016
My young child enjoyed this book. Using simple sentences and visual cues, my first grader had very little trouble reading this book to me. The gymnastics aspect and teamwork supplied wholesome themes throughout. This book was not overly Barbie-esque.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
753 reviews94 followers
Read
August 26, 2014
A gymnastics meet with both beam and rhythmic gymnastics? Who knew? I never thought Barbie had a gymnast's body, so I'm glad not to see her trying to vault.
26 reviews
May 29, 2015
Barf. Very generic and a marketing ploy. The writing is sub-par.
Profile Image for Heather Jo.
1,879 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2016
megan spring reading 2016, children's book, leveled reader, easy reader, level two, barbie, gymnastics, sports, first grade,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews