Russia and the Winter Olympics open this sizzling tale of a young adult growing up far faster than she should. Docia Sikorsky is only fifteen, barely old enough to qualify when she’s thrust to fame wearing ice skates. OFF EDGE follows the young figure skater as she competes for Olympic gold on the US team.
Docia has friends at home, Lily and Diego especially, but few friends among skaters. The dedicated young people train endlessly and face the world’s media. A teammate Stacy Gaston seems determined to get the quiet Docia out of her way. Maybe it’s a coincidence that the judges are told Docia may not be old enough to compete. While she’s always lived in West Texas, Docia was adopted as a baby. Now the allegation surfaces that her birth certificate is inaccurate. With her coach Lena, Docia has to flee Moscow in case the Russian authorities refuse to let her leave. And she has to hand back her medals.
A kind journalist, Joy Reznik, who works for a magazine, and an ESPN camera crew are unexpected allies through the unfolding story. Docia is determined to prove she deserves her medal. Her parents are a mixture – her mom is kind but unable to cope very well. Her dad is a controller, urging Docia to gain sponsorship, and micro-managing every aspect of her career, from clothes to publicity. Well, it does bring in sponsor money, and she’s still at school, so a firm hand is needed, right? Docia begins to question some of his decisions. She’s growing up and can start to run her life.
Fifteen is really young for an intense sports career involving physical strain, long hours, and travel. While her career could span another few Olympics, it’s easy to see how a pushy parent would want to make the most of Docia’s early talent. I note that schoolwork is still expected to be done, but the stress and tiredness aren’t conducive to learning. Family discussions are followed by intense bouts of skating. Any skate fans will absolutely love this book – there aren’t many for the sport at the top level. I love to see a YA heroine like Docia, someone that fans can and should look up to, who inspires others to be all they can be.
Addison Brae gives us a fantastic read, of true friends, family dynamics, and a girl coming of age in the totally modern world. OFF EDGE deserves the gold.
Do you know what it's like to win an Olympic gold, then have it stripped away? I do.
Gold is every figure skater's life dream. At fifteen, I experience the thrill of wearing the medal for a few minutes until judges accused me of being too young to be eligible. That's when I realized my father's ultimate lie could cost more than my title.
During our daring escape from Russia, I pressured my coach to tell the truth about my adoption. But the quad combination and two world titles aren't enough to keep the scandal from erasing my career and identity. Disgraced, disqualified, and devastated, I can't face a rink, fans, or daily life. My controlling dad's betrayal lights a fire to break free from his bad decisions. My best friend and a journalist who will tell my story step in to stop the downward spiral and help me uncover my past.
The story of Docia's fierce determination to discover her true identity, unerase her career, and find the passion to skate again will engage teen readers, figure skating fans, and anyone who's ever experienced betrayal from someone close.
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