Michelle Kwan, Heart of a Champion: An Autobiography

Kwan, the former U.S. and World champion figure skater and a 1998 Olympic hopeful, adds to the growing category of athlete autobiographies with this candid and involving volume. More thoughtful and reflective than Tara Lipinski (reviewed above), this work exhibits the maturity that the 17-year-old has gained in competition and in private life over the past several years. Kwan accompanies her own story with moving accounts of her parents' immigration to the U.S. from China in the 1970s and of their financial hardships and sacrifices as she and her older sister, Karen, pursued their costly figure-skating dreams. The autobiography details Kwan's daily skating and down-time routines, and she speaks frankly about her willful personality and disappointment over her recent loss of the U.S. and World titles. She also stresses the importance of having a good time--and her fondness for bargain-hunting for clothes and shoes. But above all, Kwan's strong love of family and her motto, ""Work hard, be yourself and have fun,"" make this book an inspirational resource for young readers. A 16-page color photo insert (not seen by PW), glossary of skating terms and an introduction by Peggy Fleming are also included. Tiny silhouettes of a skater on the bottom corner of each recto page provide a clever flip-book effect as well. Ages 10-up. (Nov.)