Kerri Strug and the Magnificent Seven (Totally True Adventures): How USA's Gymnastics Team Won Olympic Gold

by Kaitlin Moore

Can Kerri Strug help Team USA win Olympic gold? Discover an inspiring American gymnastics story with this unforgettable Totally True Adventure.
 
In 1996, seven gymnasts—the Magnificent Seven—are America’s best chance to win its first team gold medal. Kerri Strug is one of them. After years of training, Kerri wants to do her best for the team. But the competition is tough—and full of surprises! Can Kerri help Team USA make history?
 
This nonfiction chapter book makes an exciting moment in Olympic history accessible for younger readers and features illustrations, photographs, a glossary, Common Core connections, and additional Story Behind the Story facts.
 
Perfect for readers of the I Survived and Who Was . . . ? series, Totally True Adventures are captivating nonfiction stories with not-to-be-missed bonus content.

Genres: Sports, Biography

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2016

Reviews

[Anna Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

i am definitely not the intended audience and i read it in a day, but i kind of like its style and its educational nature. they kind of gloss over the painfull stuff and possible child mismanagement. but in the context of its time i can understand

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the Totally True Adventures series, this one focuses on the accomplishments of the 1996 U.S. gymnastics team as they won the country's first Olympic gold medal for a team. Although there are brief mentions of the whole team and their coaches, most of the story revolves around Kerri Strug, 18 at the time. Because she completed her vault with an injured ankle, she was unable to compete in the individual competition, but her courage and determination made a huge difference for her team. The story tells about her training, injuries, and her evolution from shy and withdrawn to a fierce competitor. There are photographs and illustrations of all these Olympians. I cannot believe how fast time has gone. I remember those competitions as though they were only yesterday, and the author manages to capture the suspense quite well here. This book is sure to inspire others who may feel overshadowed by teammates or classmates who get more attention than they do, and it surely will prompt some discussion about the enormous sacrifices that go into becoming a competitor on this level.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 3 out of 5]

erri Strug was a gymnast who helped the United States women's gymnastics team win a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, the first time in history that the U.S. won gold in women's gymnastics. The book describes Strug's love of gymnastics from the age of 4, and how she struggled with her ambition to succeed while missing her family during her training. Strug trained with world famous trainer Bela Karolyi in Houston, while her family stayed in Tucson. The book also describes the Olympic team's dynamics and strategies. Includes Guide to Gymnastics Events, glossary and photographs. This is non fiction in an early chapter book format.

The black and white illustrations are underwhelming. Contains only 4 photographs.