Balancing Act

Twelve-year-old Noelle Onesti has gymnastics in her blood. Not only does she have natural ability, talent and drive, but back in Romania, her mother was also an Elite gymnast. So if there's one girl destined to come home with a gold medal at the Junior National Championships, it's Noelle.

But Noelle's a worrier, and she knows it won't be easy for her family to put up the money to send her to the competition. She tries to focus on her training, but when a boy asks her to the school dance, her mind is a whirlwind of dresses, crushes, and family responsibilities. Noelle knows that if she wants to achieve her Olympic dreams, she can't let anything get in the way. Her teammates--graceful Christina, quiet Jessie, and lively Britt--can't wait for the trip to Junior Nationals in Philadelphia, and Noelle doesn't want to let them down.

Dominique Moceanu (www.dominique-moceanu.com) is the author of theNew York Times best-selling Dominique Moceanu: An American Champion. As a member of the women's gymnastics team, she won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games. She now tours the country as an ambassador for the sport, doing clinics and summer camps and speaking with young gymnasts. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband and two children.
Alicia Thompson (www.alicia-thompson.com) is the author of the young adult novelPsych Major Syndrome. She also co-wrote an updated version of The Secret Language of Birthdaysfor teens, and has contributed stories to Girls' Life. She lives with her husband and son in Riverview, Florida.