I Got This: To Gold and Beyond

By Laurie Hernandez

Book Overview

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller

Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast and Dancing with the Stars champion Laurie Hernandez shares her story in her own words in this debut book for fans of all ages--with never-before-seen photos

At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez has already made many of her dreams come true--and yet it's only the beginning for this highly accomplished athlete. A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn last summer when she was chosen to be a part of the 2016 US Olympic gymnastics team.

After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam. Nicknamed "the Human Emoji" for her wide-eyed and animated expressions, Laurie continued to dance her way into everyone's hearts while competing on the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars, where she was the youngest-ever winner of the Mirrorball Trophy.

Poignant and funny, Laurie's story is about growing up with the dream of becoming an Olympian and what it took to win gold. She talks about her loving family, her rigorous training, her intense sacrifices, and her amazing triumphs. Be prepared to fall in love with and be mesmerized by America's newest sweetheart all over again.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062677314
• ISBN13: 9780062677310
• Release Date: January 2017
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.6" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Shorter, simpler, and BETTER than it looks

Not that I like short and simple. But "yes" that this needs to be more popular. The book is technically shorter than the page count says, for there is a glossary in the back, along with a writing-a-journal-helped-me-a-lot-so-what-don't-you-as-well section with lots of blank pages. The phrasing/writing is also simple; sometimes the grammar is incorrect, too, but I let that slide because of her age. Her story was narrated the way a teenager would do it. Not narrated like a 40-year-old swooped in and rephrased every sentence to make it sound more professional. Laurie's book, from the humor to story to inspiration, is fantastic. She shares her accomplishments but never gloats. Even better, she sometimes makes a point out of a story she just told and gives you advice, but never in a preachy way. Personally, I did one year of gymnastics, and that was it, but I felt a connection with her as I read the book. She narrated in a bright, friendly, and welcoming manner--after all, she said she's optimistic! In conclusion, from what I've read of her, Laurie Hernandez may make a good role model for... everyone. Children who dream of being in the Olympics, teens who watch gymnastics, adults who like books and need one of encouragement. And that's who I suggest this book to--everyone.