Skater's Secret

By Jake Maddox and Tuesday Mourning

Maggie and Shannon are figure skaters and sisters. But Maggie is really tired of Shannon always being in the spotlight. For once, Maggie is determined to come out from behind her sister's shadow. Can Maggie learn to shine, even when Shannon always seems to get in her way?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: May 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781434289063

Jake Maddox

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.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter One:The Secret

Chapter Two:Older Sisters

Chapter Three:Found It!

Chapter Four:Prepare and Practice

Chapter Five:Marvelous!

Chapter Six:Two Weeks to Go

Chapter Seven:Another Song

Chapter Eight:Heart for Skating

Chapter Nine:Lost Balance

Chapter Ten:In the Zone

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Glossary

Famous Female Figure Skaters

Discussion Questions

Writing Prompts

Other Books By Jake Maddox

Internet Sites

Copyright

Back Cover

Chapter One

The Secret

Standing by the rail of the skating rink, Maggie watched the skater on the ice.

The skater moved with grace. She sailed across the ice effortlessly. One arm was raised in front of her body. Her other arm curled toward her back.

She lifted her chin proudly, and a small smile tugged at her mouth.

Maggie sighed. The skater was so perfect.

Okay, so she was a few years older than Maggie. Two years, to be exact. She’d had two more years to perfect her style and movements. Maggie still had time to be as good as her sister.

Still, Maggie couldn’t help but be jealous.

Your sister looks great out there, Maggie’s best friend, Ellen, said.

Maggie sighed. Shannon always looks great, she said.

You don’t sound very happy about that, Ellen said.

I just wish she wasn’t so great, you know? Maggie said quietly.

Ellen nudged Maggie playfully on the shoulder. Oh, come on. You’re a great skater too, Ellen said, smiling.

Maggie tried to smile back. I never feel great when Shannon’s around, she admitted.

Ellen shook her head. "Don’t