Rising Star

Somersaults and Dreams #2

by Cate Shearwater

For fans of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson, step in to the glamorous world of competitive gymnastics with Somersaults and Dreams.

The British Champs are looming and Ellie is desperate to qualify. But with her two best friends growing distant and a bright new star joining her squad, she is finding it hard to stand out. Will hard work be enough, or will Ellie find something more to make her performance shine?

Tumble into a world of friendships, rivalries and bright lights in this must-read new series - perfect for girls of 8+

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2015

About the author

Cate Shearwater was spectacularly bad at gymnastics when she was a kid but she loved reading classics like 'Ballet Shoes', 'The Sadlers Wells Books', 'Anne of Green Gables' and 'Malory Towers'. So when her gym mad daughter said, 'Mummy, will you write me a book about gymnastics', she drew inspiration from the stories of fun, friendship and following your dream that she had loved when as a child. Check out her video below or you can find out more about how the series came into being on her video blog at www.cateshearwater.com

The 'Somersaults and Dreams' series was inspired by her daughter, Elsie. and all her squad mates and coaches at Baskervilles Gym Club www.baskervillesgym.co.uk, but she also spent time with the GB gymnastics squad who were a huge inspiration for the series.

'Somersaults and Dreams' are perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson or Cathy Cassidy. They are not just about sequins and sparkle, but about friendships and fun, so whether you are gymnastic fantastic, a cartwheeling queen or a bit of a flop when it comes to flipping (like Cate!) you'll love these stories of a girl and her pals following their dreams!

Reviews

[Cate Shearwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, is it OK to say I love my own book! I do though - LOVED writing it, still love reading it to my daughter and at events! Blushing like mad now!

[Day Ravenstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found this book in the works I knew I had to have it. I borrowed this series from a local library as a kid and I loved it. Rereading this book has been so nostalgic and it was just as good if not better than it was when I was a kid. And the cartwheeling gymnast in the bottom corner of the pages is still so cool.

[Tanaya Bhate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book displayes the difficulties faced by people who want to pursue a career in sports. In a way that children can read. It gets very emotional about half way through the book but it does not last that long. I definitely recommend reading this series.

[Niki Sehmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

A heart warming easy read. If you like the sport it's a great source of entertainment to read. Highly recommend

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The British Champs are looming and Ellie is desperate to qualify. But with her two best friends growing distant and a bright new star joining her squad, she is finding it hard to stand out. Will hard work be enough, or will Ellie find something more to make her performance shine?

Tumble into a world of friendships, rivalries and bright lights in this must-read new series

I picked this as a title to use with my Chatterbooks group.
I don't usually like reading a sequel without reading the first in a series, but in this case I didn't feel I had missed out on anything.
It was a good story, on the whole well told. Elements of it were a bit obvious to this adult reader, but I'm sure it will be a favourite with sporty young girls of around 8+. I wonder what the boy in my group will make of it?