Laurie Hernandez

The colorful photographs are pleasing. . . . One notable aspect is the inclusion of fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad in the lineup. Librarians will be hard-pressed to find materials on Muhammad for this audience and should consider this title. Pronunciation is provided for more difficult words. . .

The text describes Hernandez’s rigorous training with Coach Maggie Haney and how she must be homeschooled to fit her practice schedule. The final chapters relate her Olympic events and victories, as well as the Final Five’s post-Olympic celebrity. The book features two-to-four-page chapters; a large font with plenteous white space; short, uncomplicated, yet interesting, sentences (four per chapter); easy vocabulary; and striking color photographs. Text is generally placed on the left page, with a full-page photograph on the facing page. Small inset photographs, text boxes, or charts are superimposed on each page. The popularity of this star ensures this title will be in high demand.