The Optionals Collection

Perfect Balance Gymnastics Optionals #1-3

by Melisa Torres, Ezarago (illustrator)

Perfect Balance gymnasts are strong diverse girls reaching their goals!***Three great stories in one BIG book!***Paige, Marissa, and Alexis are back in this 3-book collection. The girls are in middle school and training Level 6 and Level 7 gymnastics. Paige struggles with the changes she experiences in puberty, Marissa discovers that juggling school and gymnastics is harder than she anticipated, and Alexis experiences the hard work involved in coming back from an injury.All three girls turn to their teammates, friends, and families for support as they take on their new challenges with the unique determination of a gymnast.Perfect Balance Gymnastics Optionals is a spin-off to the original Perfect Balance Gymnastics Series. Both series depict strong diverse girls reaching their goals and promote grace and confidence for life.These stories are written at a 6th and 7th grade reading level and appeal to ages 11-14.The Stories in The Optionals Collection ChallengesStrive for ExcellenceThe Comeback***All three stories are bound in one BIG book!***

770 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

Melisa grew up in San Jose, California where she trained at Almaden Valley Gymnastics Club for ten years. Melisa moved through the competitive Junior Olympic levels of USA Gymnastics. She then went on to compete for Utah State University. At Utah State Melisa was part of a record breaking team who won Big West Championships in 1996 and 1998. Melisa was also a two time Academic All-American and team captain.

At Utah State Melisa got her BS in Psychology and a minor in Literature.

​Melisa stays involved in gymnastics by occasionally coaching (as a sub) at local gyms and choreographing floor routines. She also loves following elite and college gymnastics.

Melisa lives in Utah and is a single mother to two active boys. Their favorite things to do together are skiing, swimming, going to the library, and dancing in the kitchen.