Al Mando del Riel (Balance Beam Boss)

Twelve-year-old Sofia is the best gymnast at Riverside Gymnastics Center, but when a fall from the balance beam results in a concussion, she finds herself afraid of the beam and also afraid to tell anyone about her fear, so Sofia needs help before her trauma drives her away from gymnastics.

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler - or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps - literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.