Breaking the Ice

Nikki has dreamed about figure skating in the Olympics for as long as she can remember. Now she has the chance to join the Silver Blades, a highly selective, grueling club that prepares skaters for elite competitions. When Nikki is accepted, she finds all her time and energy earmarked for skating, her decision to join the junior high dance committee notwithstanding. Lowell uses heavy-handed, predictable plot lines to teach lessons about persistence, pressure, rivalry and friendship, then resorts to simplistic resolutions when it's time to wrap up her story. But the quick pace and the glamour of the rink may be enough for Nancy Kerrigan wannabes. Other titles in the Silver Blades series, to be released next season, revolve around Nikki's clubmates as they, too, strive for glory. Ages 9-12. (Dec.)