Rush for the Gold

Gr 6–9—The sports-journalism duo of Susan Carol Anderson and Stevie Thomas is embroiled in cracking another mystery. This time the story takes place at the 2012 Olympics. Fifteen-year-old Susan Carol is competing in the games as a swimmer on Team USA while Stevie, her boyfriend, is covering the events for the Washington Herald. Susan Carol's good looks and athletic ability catch the eye of Lighting Fast, an agency that mesmerizes her father with promises of millions of dollars in contracts if his daughter can win the gold. When members of Lighting Fast are seen mingling with one of Susan Carol's competitors, she and Stevie's suspicions about the agency intensify. While she focuses on swimming, Stevie is forced to crack the case on his own. He uncovers Lightning Fast's plot to bribe officials to ensure that Susan Carol's less attractive, yet equally talented teammate does not win, jeopardizing the agency's opportunity to market Susan Carol for millions. Disappointingly, the action doesn't really heat up until the last few chapters. Readers may find the large cast of undeveloped secondary characters difficult to keep track of, and the plot gets bogged down with details about the world of competitive swimming. Still, the novel is timed to hit shelves before the 2012 London Olympics and it provide readers with a seemingly realistic and interesting behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Games.—Nicole Knott, Watertown High School, CT