Gymnastics Diaries – Beam Queen

Gymnastics Diaries – Beam Queen by Georgia Godwin (with Laura Sieveking) and Amanda Erb (Scholastic Australia) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781760266486

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Georgia Godwin, an Olympic gymnast, has put pen to paper to create a junior fiction diary series based on her experiences as a young, up-and-coming gymnast.

The first book in the Gymnastics Diaries series, Beam Queen, introduces readers to 10-year-old Georgia who has just found out that she has been accepted into the Elite Squad at All the Way Up Gymnastics Centre. Knowing this is a step towards her goal of becoming an international gymnast, Georgia is incredibly excited, but she is also disappointed because Bri her best friend – at school and on the gym floor –does not make it into the squad.

Not only is Georgia worried about her friendship with Bri, now that they won’t be training together anymore, but she is also nervous that her gymnastic skills won’t be good enough compared to the other, mostly older, members of the Elite Squad.

Using the diary style of writing, Georgia Godwin, along with co-author Laura Sieveking, has managed to tap right in to the complex and competing emotions of a 10-year-old. ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘What if nobody likes me?’ ‘It looks hard, can I do this?’

Amanda Erb’s black and white illustrations add depth to the story, particularly the rising and falling emotions of Georgia and the other gymnasts, as she navigates new territory and challenges at every turn.

Surrounded by supportive family and friends – both old and new – Georgia pushes through her fears and concerns, focusing on her ultimate goal. But the looming team comp, which is Georgia’s first ever big team event, presents a new set of hurdles (or should we say ‘beam challenges’?)

Perfect for independent readers aged 6–9 years who themselves love the sport of gymnastics, Gymnastics Diaries – Beam Queen is not only sure to be a delightful read, but will also encourage readers to go for their dreams, no matter how challenging or scary they may seem. And, who knows, we might even see a whole new generation of gymnasts heading for Olympic gold.