Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith
N/A Series
on Goodreads (2,966)
What’s inside...
Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith is an inspiring autobiography by Gabrielle Douglas, the first African-American gymnast to become the individual All-Around champion in Olympic history. The book details her journey from her early days in gymnastics to her gold-medal-winning performances at the 2012 London Olympics. It explores her personal struggles, family sacrifices, and the perseverance and faith that led her to Olympic glory. Through her story, Gabrielle aims to motivate and inspire readers to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-13
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gabrielle Douglas
Arielle Hawkins
Missy Parton
Liang Chow
Marta Karolyi
Natalie Hawkins
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Gabrielle Douglas to keep pushing forward in her gymnastics career, even when faced with challenges?
How do the themes of perseverance and faith in 'Grace, Gold & Glory' inspire you in your own life?
Gabrielle had to make many sacrifices to achieve her dreams. Can you think of any goals that might require hard work and sacrifice from you?
What role do Gabrielle's family and friends play in her journey? How does this show the importance of support from loved ones?
How did Gabrielle handle her moments of doubt or failure? What can you learn from her attitude towards overcoming obstacles?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended responses to foster deeper thinking and personal connection with Gabrielle's story.
Relate discussions to your child’s own experiences of overcoming difficulties or setting goals to make the conversation more relatable.
Allow your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, and affirm their thoughts to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Highlight the positive character traits displayed by Gabrielle such as resilience, hard work, and faith, and ask your child to reflect on how they can embody these traits in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Gabrielle Douglas showcases her journey of becoming an Olympic gymnast despite numerous challenges and setbacks. Her relentless dedication and resilience shine throughout her story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals. This lesson teaches them not to give up when faced with obstacles in school or other extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Throughout her autobiography, Gabrielle emphasizes the crucial role her family played in her success. Their encouragement and sacrifices were fundamental in her journey.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of familial support and be encouraged to appreciate and seek help from their own family members during challenging times or when pursuing their dreams.
Example Lesson: Self-Belief and Confidence
Explanation: Gabrielle’s story underlines the importance of self-belief. Despite external doubts and internal fears, she continued to believe in her ability and potential.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to trust in their own capabilities and develop confidence in their personal skills and talents, essential for tackling life's various challenges.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: Gabrielle Douglas's accomplishments can be attributed to clear and specific goal-setting from a young age. Her commitment to achieving these goals is evident.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of setting realistic goals and developing a plan to accomplish them. This skill can be applied in academic settings, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Handling Success and Humility
Explanation: Despite reaching significant heights in her career, Gabrielle Douglas maintains humility, acknowledging her coaches, family, and faith.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of humility and gratitude, even when they achieve success, fostering a balanced perspective and respectful interactions with others.