The Kip

Perfect Balance Gymnastics #5

by Melisa Torres, Zachary Christensen (Illustrator)

Meet Marissa and her teammates; strong diverse girls reaching their goals!Marissa is a gymnast, violinist, and chess player. This summer she is busy in an orchestra, chess tournament, and learning her Level 4 gymnastics skills. In the past, doing all three activities has been a snap for Marissa. She is hardworking and smart. But this summer she can’t seem to get her kip, a difficult skill on bars. If she doesn’t learn a kip she won’t be competing Level 4 in the fall with her friends at Perfect Balance Gymnastics Academy. As the summer progresses, it’s not looking good. Everyone else is getting their kip except for Marissa. What will she do if her friends move on without her?Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books teach girls to be kind to each other, flexible in life, courageous, strong, and most of all, confident. The books set the reader in the world of gymnastics. The characters are relatable and have age-appropriate challenges. Each book explores a major life lesson that empowers girls to understand their own inner strengths.Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books increase reading level from 2nd grade to 6th grade as the series progresses. The Kip is the 5th book in the series and is a 3rd/4th grade reading level. The Kip appeals to 8-12 year-olds. Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books are chronological, but each story can stand alone.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2017

About the author

Melisa grew up in San Jose, California where she trained at Almaden Valley Gymnastics Club for ten years. Melisa moved through the competitive Junior Olympic levels of USA Gymnastics. She then went on to compete for Utah State University. At Utah State Melisa was part of a record breaking team who won Big West Championships in 1996 and 1998. Melisa was also a two time Academic All-American and team captain.

At Utah State Melisa got her BS in Psychology and a minor in Literature.

​Melisa stays involved in gymnastics by occasionally coaching (as a sub) at local gyms and choreographing floor routines. She also loves following elite and college gymnastics.

Melisa lives in Utah and is a single mother to two active boys. Their favorite things to do together are skiing, swimming, going to the library, and dancing in the kitchen.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!!

This book was so exciting because I am 10 and a level 7 in gymnastics and reading this book made me remember the VERY hard times and struggles I had with my kip . Write more😊😊

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and reminds me of my time as a gymnast growing up! The author, Melisa Torres is spot on!!! I would love to edit these books 😊

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Lydia Steinecker]

Amazing last chapter was great.