"Mia" - Review of the Book That Goes With the American Girl Figure Skating Doll

Pros

• "Mia" is a easy to read book.
• Mia's story encourages readers to try figure skating.
• A happy and supportive family is described in this book.
• The reader will learn about good sportsmanship and hard work.
• Mia's story teaches about life's values..

Cons

• Not all the situations in the book are quite accurate when it comes to the figure skating world.

Description

• Mia is written by Laurence Yep, one of children's literature's most respected authors.
• Published by American Girl Publishing, Inc.
• Published in 2008
• 130 pages
• The book is written in a first person format: It seems that a real life "Mia" is talking to the reader.
• There is a second book available, Bravo, Mia!, that continues to tell Mia's story.
• Some colorful illustrations are included throughout the book.
• Some letters about real life situations (from real girls) similar to Mia's are included at the end of the book.
• Paperback

Guide Review - "Mia" - Review of the Book That Goes With the American Girl Figure Skating Doll

Mia is an ice skating book that brings the 2008 Limited Edition American Girl Doll, Mia St. Clair, to life. Readers will learn about the figure skating world and will also learn about life's values.

Mia's Story

Mia is a ten year old who lives in a small town in New York State. In the past, she has played ice hockey with her three older brothers who are competitive ice hockey players. Mia's family is really into hockey and Mia is quite talented at hockey. Even though she could excel at hockey, she feels as if she is skating in her brothers' shadows, so she decides to pursue figure skating. In this book, she begins training hard at figure skating with a new coach and she learns lessons about hard work, commitment, and good sportsmanship.

Not a Completely Accurate Story

Not all the situations in Mia's story are true to life. For example, in one part of the book, Mia is asked to be a substitute teacher for a young beginners' learn-to-skate class. Ice arenas DO NOT have ten year olds, even very accomplished ten year old figure skaters, substitute for paid and trained figure skating instructors.

Also, Mia's parents are interested in Mia's figure skating, but are just too busy to be at the rink with Mia. Rarely do skaters advance at figure skating unless one parent is present and involved on a daily basis. In Mia's story, Mia carries much of that responsiblity on her own.

"Mia" Will Inspire

Although some of the situations in Mia's book may not be completely accurate, Mia's story will inspire and will also encourage readers of all ages to give figure skating a try. Even though there are some inaccuracies, much of the book tells what the true figure skating world is like. Also, the book shows the commitment and hard work that is required to be a figure skater.

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