About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile their love for a sport or activity with a toxic environment, or when they need to see a model for standing up against institutional wrongdoing. Maggie Nichols, the first person to report Larry Nassar to USA Gymnastics, shares her journey from being sidelined by the organization she loved to finding a new, joyful path in collegiate gymnastics. This memoir focuses on the power of reclaiming one's voice, the importance of boundaries, and the reality that success looks different when you prioritize your mental health. The book is written for young adults, offering a direct but sensitive look at institutional betrayal and the courage required to be a whistleblower. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to support a child in building self-confidence after a period of exclusion or unfair treatment. Nichols emphasizes that while she lost her Olympic dream due to her bravery, she gained a sense of self and a community that valued her as a person, not just a score.
