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American Girl: Mia #2
Bravo, Mia!
Mia St. Clair can't wait for Regionals. Or can she?
Mia has been training all year to master the moves she needs to compete at the Regional Figure Skating Competition. It's her first time competing at that level, and Mia is eager for and worried about Regionals all at the same time. Is she a good enough skater? Does she have what it takes to survive in the world of competitive figure skating--and still be a good sport?
When a family crisis threatens Mia's chances of going to Regionals, Mia is heartbroken. But she knows that being a good sport means accepting challenges--even big losses--with determination and grace.
Mia has been training all year to master the moves she needs to compete at the Regional Figure Skating Competition. It's her first time competing at that level, and Mia is eager for and worried about Regionals all at the same time. Is she a good enough skater? Does she have what it takes to survive in the world of competitive figure skating--and still be a good sport?
When a family crisis threatens Mia's chances of going to Regionals, Mia is heartbroken. But she knows that being a good sport means accepting challenges--even big losses--with determination and grace.
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Laurence Yep
122 books298 followersBorn June 14, 1948 in San Francisco, California, Yep was the son of Thomas Gim Yep and Franche Lee Yep. Franche Lee, her family's youngest child, was born in Ohio and raised in West Virginia where her family owned a Chinese laundry. Yep's father, Thomas, was born in China and came to America at the age of ten where he lived, not in Chinatown, but with an Irish friend in a white neighborhood. After troubling times during the Depression, he was able to open a grocery store in an African-American neighborhood. Growing up in San Francisco, Yep felt alienated. He was in his own words his neighborhood's "all-purpose Asian" and did not feel he had a culture of his own. Joanne Ryder, a children's book author, and Yep met and became friends during college while she was his editor. They later married and now live in San Francisco.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 5, 2026
"It made me pause just a fraction of a second, but that was enough to throw off the timing of my jump ... I fell hard and swept forward like a human dust rag."After the roaring success of the winter show, Mia St Clair is ready to attend Regionals for the first time and skate her heart out....but the more she thinks about regionals, the more intimidated she feels.
And it seems like the world is conspiring against her - money's always been tight but now? Everything is on a shoestring budget.
"Competition is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical strength and grace. The lessons you'll learn at Regional will serve you well, whether you pursue skating as a career or go into other things."
And her clothes don't fit, her skates are too small, and regionals is a multi-day event - meaning hotel stays and food budgets.
It's all becoming too much - and what's more, she cannot shake the scared feeling she has in the pit of her stomach. Should she even try for Regionals after all?
Whew! I liked the first book but the second is where it's at.
"My knuckles had turned white from clutching the seat. And I was so frightened that I didn't want to let go."
I loved seeing the character growth in Mia - it's rather hard to do so in two short books, but it really feels grounded, realistic, and intrinsically wonderful to watch her find her confidence.
I also rather liked seeing Mia's family in this one - her gaggle of brothers, doting parents, and kind community really shone in this story.
And that motivational speech at the end? I was halfway to the store to buy a pair of skates for myself!
I do wish we got more of an ending - we see some of what I expected to see but for the first time, I wish there was a further-out epilogue. Does Mia ever go for the Olympics? What happens to her career.
All in all, I did really enjoy this one!
July 16, 2019
I’m not sure why Mia, an American Girl of the Year, got two books. Was she more popular than the usual Girl of the Year? I have no clue. What I do know is that I loved Mia and was glad to see her story continue. I related to her hardcore as a former hockey sister and someone who once had figure skating aspirations. I also enjoyed seeing more development for the side character, particularly Vanessa. Also, Mia got to get a new costume, which is beautiful! Recommended for American Girl fans.
January 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book when it released in 2008, and I enjoyed it again. Mia is a funny, likable character with a strong narrative voice, and I really appreciate the focus on her family dynamics and the relationships she has with her parents and older brothers. Just like the first book, this one also weaves in relatable elements to Mia's family's financial situation. The story resolves her skating-related financial dilemmas in a realistic and hopeful way while also honoring the very real constraints that working class families face when trying to help their kids follow their dreams.
The story also delves more into Mia's relationship with her coach, tensions related to a mean girl from the skating club, and the challenges of her first major competition. The book is very realistic, and I appreciate how it provides a more nuanced view of the mean girl and why she behaves the way that she does, without excusing her behavior. The book provides positive modeling for a variety of issues without being preachy, and the descriptions of skating are wonderful. The author defines technical language clearly, describes the competition in a suspenseful way, and gives a deep sense of why Mia finds so much joy on the ice.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad that American Girl designed and released this character. Even though a lot of the Girl of the Year books are pretty shallow, this was one of the standout years with a character I will always appreciate and remember. I would definitely recommend both Mia books to people choosing which out-of-print American Girl titles to pursue for themselves or their child.
The story also delves more into Mia's relationship with her coach, tensions related to a mean girl from the skating club, and the challenges of her first major competition. The book is very realistic, and I appreciate how it provides a more nuanced view of the mean girl and why she behaves the way that she does, without excusing her behavior. The book provides positive modeling for a variety of issues without being preachy, and the descriptions of skating are wonderful. The author defines technical language clearly, describes the competition in a suspenseful way, and gives a deep sense of why Mia finds so much joy on the ice.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad that American Girl designed and released this character. Even though a lot of the Girl of the Year books are pretty shallow, this was one of the standout years with a character I will always appreciate and remember. I would definitely recommend both Mia books to people choosing which out-of-print American Girl titles to pursue for themselves or their child.
December 2, 2009
It is a great story about friendship, family
and figure-skating. I liked this book. My
favorite part is when Mia's coach comes
and helps Mia and her mom sew Mia's
costume for the figure-skating competition.
I liked all the characters and the things that
happend. In the end I like how Vanessa
becomes less self-centered and more
friendly. This a great american girl book.
and figure-skating. I liked this book. My
favorite part is when Mia's coach comes
and helps Mia and her mom sew Mia's
costume for the figure-skating competition.
I liked all the characters and the things that
happend. In the end I like how Vanessa
becomes less self-centered and more
friendly. This a great american girl book.
April 11, 2020
This is a juvenile novel. Although I am an adult I read it because I am a former figure skater. I read most every skating novel that comes out. While I realize I am not the intended audience I gave the novel three stars because I believe a 6th grade girl would probably enjoy it.
Mia is an 11 year old girl who is looking forward to her first Regional competition in a non-qualifying class. This is probably an open juvenile category. There are a lot of inconsistencies with skating reality in this book. I think this is to create drama for the young reader but it also gives the preteen audience a wrong impression of non-qualifying skating competition. First juvenile level skaters really do not have fans other than family and friends. Nobody asks a juvenile level skater for an autograph. Kids competing in open juvenile are basically low freestyle hobbyists. Certainly they can continue to improve and move into higher categories and qualify for other competitions. Second no skater gets to the level of learning a flying camel and double Lutz without knowing about The Sweet Spot of a skating blade. Third Mia's coach is a former Olympian who supposedly lost the gold medal by missing a jump. Based on the illustrations she looks fairly young. However she is coaching at a small club that one of the snotty competitors makes fun of. Nobody makes fun of a former Olympian who barely lost a medal. Many skating clubs would be eager to have a coach like this on their roster. Former Olympians usually do not have to slum it in small-town ice rinks.
The pre-adolescent drama playing out at this competition is based on cliches. There probably is plenty of this even at the lowest levels of competition with the youngest children. The kids are acting out a fantasy and mimicking what they see on television.
Another part of the story that did not ring true with me is the financial situation of the family. There are four children in this family. The boys play hockey and Mia is a figure skater. Both parents have two jobs. The family finances go down the drain when Mom breaks her leg and the furnace dies inconveniently at the same time. A coin toss decides that the brother will go to a tournament rather than Mia going to the Regionals. Lo and behold the community chips in to get Mia new skates and a costume. In a couple of pages the whole conflict is resolved.
Probably the most ridiculous feature of this juvenile novel is the overwhelming presence of a commercial advertising character named Zuzu. Poor Mia had to wear a Zuzu costume in a local skating spectacle. That is about as bad as making the kid dress up as Cal Worthington.
Mia is an 11 year old girl who is looking forward to her first Regional competition in a non-qualifying class. This is probably an open juvenile category. There are a lot of inconsistencies with skating reality in this book. I think this is to create drama for the young reader but it also gives the preteen audience a wrong impression of non-qualifying skating competition. First juvenile level skaters really do not have fans other than family and friends. Nobody asks a juvenile level skater for an autograph. Kids competing in open juvenile are basically low freestyle hobbyists. Certainly they can continue to improve and move into higher categories and qualify for other competitions. Second no skater gets to the level of learning a flying camel and double Lutz without knowing about The Sweet Spot of a skating blade. Third Mia's coach is a former Olympian who supposedly lost the gold medal by missing a jump. Based on the illustrations she looks fairly young. However she is coaching at a small club that one of the snotty competitors makes fun of. Nobody makes fun of a former Olympian who barely lost a medal. Many skating clubs would be eager to have a coach like this on their roster. Former Olympians usually do not have to slum it in small-town ice rinks.
The pre-adolescent drama playing out at this competition is based on cliches. There probably is plenty of this even at the lowest levels of competition with the youngest children. The kids are acting out a fantasy and mimicking what they see on television.
Another part of the story that did not ring true with me is the financial situation of the family. There are four children in this family. The boys play hockey and Mia is a figure skater. Both parents have two jobs. The family finances go down the drain when Mom breaks her leg and the furnace dies inconveniently at the same time. A coin toss decides that the brother will go to a tournament rather than Mia going to the Regionals. Lo and behold the community chips in to get Mia new skates and a costume. In a couple of pages the whole conflict is resolved.
Probably the most ridiculous feature of this juvenile novel is the overwhelming presence of a commercial advertising character named Zuzu. Poor Mia had to wear a Zuzu costume in a local skating spectacle. That is about as bad as making the kid dress up as Cal Worthington.
September 4, 2017
I was a little wary about this sequel but I think this second book is even better than the first because Mia gets to compete at the Regional ice skating event. I re-read this book recently and I still enjoyed it almost as much as I did when I was young and first read it. Mia serves as a great role model for young girls as she has such a kind heart and is a great sport on the rink as well as off of it!
November 29, 2018
Maybe more of a 3.5, but definitely rounded up. I'm so glad I finally read these books!
June 4, 2022
Very moving and inspirational I have no words 😍😍😍😍😍😍
September 24, 2022
My favorite part was when she found out she was in 2nd place!!!! The only part I did not like was when she thought she would not go to regionals!
April 7, 2024
Some plot holes, but overall very cute. Loved all the little interactions between the family members.
June 22, 2024
And on working to earn what you want in life.
April 3, 2025
2.5 stars. this was pretty good, i just found myself to be a little bit bored. it also took me a bit longer to read because i’ve been very busy. happy to have this off of my physical tbr.
July 16, 2025
Thinking Day Finland 2025
August 5, 2025
This was an awesome book! I love the family and the friendships aspect of this book.
October 4, 2025
A great follow up to the first one. I would love to revisit Mia’s story as an adult, especially since we’d be around the same age.
October 22, 2022
Full series review for Mia:
Cute! I liked the dynamic between Mia and her family, and the storyline of her trying to prove herself as a figure skater. She isn't a new favorite or anything but I enjoyed following her and her arc.
Cute! I liked the dynamic between Mia and her family, and the storyline of her trying to prove herself as a figure skater. She isn't a new favorite or anything but I enjoyed following her and her arc.
April 15, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. Mia worked really hard for her competition. I still thought her brothers could have been more supportive though.
September 10, 2020
I don’t know if I liked it as much as the first, but I did like it. It was a strong sequel.
May 23, 2011
I read this book with my 8-year old daughter, Madeline. While we enjoyed it together, since neither of us have any experience with figure skating, we didn't appreciate a lot of the details. My only real complaint about the book is that it's a little inconsistent in its intended audience. It targets the owners of American Girl Dolls, who average around my daughter's age. The font size in the books is fairly large, indicating a simpler text, yet the vocabulary is quite advanced. Madeline is an advanced reader for second grade; her latest leveled reading score was a Q. Yet Bravo, Mia! would have been a bit challenging for her to read on her own.
January 12, 2016
I liked this book as much as the first one. Mia has been training all year to go to Regionals, but she has outgrown her skating boots and her costume. When her family's furnace breaks right at the begining of winter they can send her to Regionals, or her brother to his hockey tournament, but not both. Through it Mia learns that she has a family larger than her parents and brothers and what a blessing that is. It was also interesting to get a glimpse into the world of competitive figure skating. She also has to deal the insults by other girls, including one of her teamates, and another competitor who pulls a Katarina Witt and skates to her music.
July 12, 2015
Substantially better than the first. The morals are a tad heavy-handed, but Mia's efforts and sportsmanship will prove inspiring to girls. The chapter describing Mia's performance at Regionals was particularly well-written, with far more poetic, lyrical imagery than I am used to seeing in an American Girl book.
October 10, 2009
A cut above the average American Girl, but still a little too goody good to be true. It's about a young skater going to her first regional meet. There are some selfish, pushy, aloof girls; but she comes to understand their pain and they come around way too easily.
October 24, 2008
I read this one it was pretty good
December 15, 2008
its really good I enjoyed it
May 10, 2010
it is so cool so far
~annie
~annie
September 27, 2011
Bravo Mia was a nice book to read when you are feeling down because dreams do come true.
October 13, 2015
:) :) :)
January 30, 2016
really good book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 17, 2015
Mia shows endurance and competitiveness as she competes in regionals.
December 21, 2018
Great book, I recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews